A pseudo-3D model to investigate heat and water transport in large area PEM fuel cells - Part 2: Application on an automotive driving cycle

Published

September 14, 2016

Author(s)

Daniel S. Hussey, J-P Poirot-Crouvezier, M. Chandesris, S. Rosini, David L. Jacobson, Jacob M. LaManna, A. Morin, Y. Bultel

Abstract

In this work, the pseudo-3D multiphysics model introduced in Part 1 of this two-part series of papers is used to investigate heat and water transport in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell designed for an automotive application. The main advantage of the model is the consideration of the real bipolar plate design and the detailed description of the studied geometrical domain while maintaining an acceptable computational time. When applied on a new European driving cycle, the simulation results highlight the impact of the bipolar plate design on temperature and humidity heterogeneities. The operating conditions cycling induce a non-uniform cycling of temperature and humidity over the cell active area, which can lead to a premature deterioration of the cell components. In addition, at a more local scale, the increase in fuel cell load leads to larger heterogeneities between channel and rib, for temperature as well as for humidity. The results of the simulation of liquid water distribution are in good agreement with the experimental results, demonstrating the reliability and robustness of the model which can be used for the design of new bipolar plates or to understand the degradation phenomena.

Citation

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Volume

41

Issue

34

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

PEMFC, Local temperature, Humidity, Current density, NEDC, Neutron Imaging

Citation

, D. , Poirot-Crouvezier, J. , Chandesris, M. , Rosini, S. , Jacobson, D. , LaManna, J. , Morin, A. and Bultel, Y. (2016), A pseudo-3D model to investigate heat and water transport in large area PEM fuel cells - Part 2: Application on an automotive driving cycle, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (Accessed October 10, 2025)