Challenges and opportunities in modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)

Why a more uniform fuel/oxygen distribution is critical for fuel cell stack performance improvement

“…[1][2][3] In fuel cell operation, the distributions of fuel and oxygen are highly nonuniform in 2 ways: (1) In a single fuel cell unit, fuel/oxygen molar fractions near the inlet are significantly higher than that near the outlet ( Figure 1) due to the electrochemical reactions and (2) the fuel/oxygen molar fractions are different in different fuel cell units in a fuel cell stack (cell-to-cell variations). Room temperature fuel cells such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are suitable for vehicle applications, while high-temperature fuel cells such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are suitable for stationary applications like combined heat and power (CHP) cogeneration.…”

“…Room temperature fuel cells such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are suitable for vehicle applications, while high-temperature fuel cells such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are suitable for stationary applications like combined heat and power (CHP) cogeneration. [1][2][3] In fuel cell operation, the distributions of fuel and oxygen are highly nonuniform in 2 ways: (1) In a single fuel cell unit, fuel/oxygen molar fractions near the inlet are significantly higher than that near the outlet (Figure 1) due to the electrochemical reactions and (2) the fuel/oxygen molar fractions are different in different fuel cell units in a fuel cell stack (cell-to-cell variations). It is intuitively believed that a more uniform distribution of fuel and oxygen in the fuel cell is needed to achieve a better fuel cell performance (see Figure 2 with the fuel distribution along the channel as an example).…”

Mathematical modeling and simulation for external electrothermal characteristics of an alkaline water electrolyzer

“…It is considered as an energy carrier with the greatest potential in the future and the best approach to a hydrogen economy, in which the electric power generated by renewable energy is used for hydrogen production . As a key equipment in the direct energy interaction between the hydrogen production system and the fluctuating power supply, the water electrolyzer, when used for reducing the fluctuation of the renewable energy, displays strong adaptability to its unstable power output compared with the basic application theory and key technology of other energy storing media or smart carriers . The electrochemical process of the electricity‐to‐hydrogen transition is complicated experimental studies, and thus, it is time‐consuming and economically inefficient .…”

“…7 As a key equipment in the direct energy interaction between the hydrogen production system and the fluctuating power supply, [8][9][10] the water electrolyzer, when used for reducing the fluctuation of the renewable energy, displays strong adaptability to its unstable power output compared with the basic application theory and key technology of other energy storing media or smart carriers. [11][12][13][14][15] The electrochemical process of the electricity-to-hydrogen transition is complicated experimental studies, and thus, it is timeconsuming and economically inefficient. [16][17][18] For experimental study simplification and system regulation, it is important to understand the electrical characteristics as well as the modeling and simulation methodology.…”

The durability investigation of a 10‐cell metal bipolar plate proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack

“…The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most competitive and attractive candidate for replacing the fossil fuels because of its remarkable features such as relatively high efficiency, high power density, fast start-up and shut-down, low emission of pollutants, and low noise. [1][2][3][4][5] Sales of fuel cell cars by Toyota, Honda, and other automobile companies have shown the technical feasibility of fuel cell vehicles. 6 However, reliability, durability, and cost are still severe issues that hinder the widespread commercial application of fuel cell vehicles.…”