A computational analysis on the operational behaviour of open-cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. (27th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sagar, Anand; Chugh, Sachin; Sonkar, Kapil; Sharma, Alok; Kjeang, Erik
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 45:Number 58(2020)
• Page Start: 34125
• Page End: 34138
• Publication Date: 2020-11-27
• Subjects: Fuel cell -- Open cathode -- Air cooling -- Performance -- Modelling -- Simulation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.09.133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In the present work, a comprehensive, three-dimensional computational fuel cell model is developed, validated, and utilized to study the operational and hygrothermal behaviour of an open-cathode (air cooled) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell at various ambient conditions compared to conventional liquid cooled cells and a hypothetical isothermal case. The spatial distributions of relative humidity, temperature, and membrane water content are analysed during operation of the cell and the strong hygrothermal characteristic of the open-cathode fuel cell system is established. The high temperature and relative humidity gradients inside the cell are found to limit the cell performance for open-cathode cells unlike the other operational cases. Moderate self-heating followed by membrane drying is found to be the key factor limiting the net cell performance while in operation at moderate-to-high current densities and high air flow rates. The open-cathode fuel cell is also found to perform better at high temperature and high relative humidity ambient conditions; however, in contrast to liquid cooled cells, the performance is restricted by inefficient thermal and water management. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A 3D computational model is developed and validated for open-cathode fuel cells. The model reveals the unique hygrothermal characteristics of open-cathode cells. Specific differences between liquid cooled and open-cathode cells are investigated. Membrane drying and slow kinetics cause inferior performance in open-cathode cells.