Three-dimensional CFD analysis of PEMFC with different membrane thicknesses

Abstract

PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) is a potential candidate for future source of power used in different applications such as transportations, stationary and portable power. PEMFC consists of different parts including membrane, bipolar plate, flow channel, gas diffusion and catalyst layers. Membrane is one of the most important components of a PEMFC and its physical and geometrical features significantly affect PEMFC efficiency. In this paper, a three-dimensional, single-phase computational model has been improved to scrutinize membrane thickness effect on the PEM fuel cell performance using the ANSYS PEM Fuel Cell Module. Membrane thicknesses are in the range of a range of 0.0127 to 0.189 mm. The results reveal that a decrease in membrane thickness augments the current density at 0.4 and 0.6 V. The peak current density of 3.12 A/cm 2 is achieved with 0.027 mm membrane thickness compared the model current density of 1.26 A/cm 2 obtained by the model with 0.128 mm membrane thickness at 0.4 V. Oxygen consumption and water production also enhance with reducing membrane thickness at 0.4 and 0.6 V. However change thickness of the membrane has a negligible impact on impact pressure drop in the flow channel. It is found that optimization of membrane thickness are necessary for attaining high efficiency.