Influence of different parameters on PEM fuel cell output power: A three-dimensional simulation using agglomerate model

Abstract

Gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer are the main components in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Gas diffusion layer porosity, platinum, carbon and ionomer inside catalyst layer are also the kay parameters in these two porous layer, the values have a great effect on cell output performance. Considering the correlation between mass transfer and electrochemical reaction rate, there is a strong interaction among these four parameters. Thus, a 3D agglomerate model is established to analyze the effect mechanism of these four parameters on cell performance from mass transfer. Then, these parameters are optimized simultaneously. The results show that more oxygen on the surface of platinum improves electrochemical reaction rate. Cell performance can be improved with platinum or carbon loading increasing, while higher porosity or less ionomer can improve cell performance at high current density. More platinum or carbon, or lower ionomer content all reduces oxygen transfer resistance. Activation and concentration loss reduce obviously under higher porosity or more carbon. Higher performance corresponds to stronger bidirectional mass transfer at the interface between gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer of cathode side. The current density of the cell with optimized parameters can be improved at least 9.1%.