Numerical solution of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with straight channels

The thesis covers simulation of transport phenomena in a single-cell proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with straight channels using Fluent PEMFC module and comparison of simulation results with the data on literature. The PEMFC is made up of nine layers, namely, current collector, gas channel, gas diffusion layer for the sides of anode and cathode including membrane. Simulation results ? pressure, mole fractions of the species; H2, O2 and H2O, electrical potential and velocity - are presented in 2-D at the cross sections of inlet, mid-way and outlet positions. Polarization curves are formed for each cases investigated and the effects of parameters on the polarization curves are analysed. Besides, polarisation curves of six cases are constructed and compared with the experimental results to validate the model. Key Words :PEMFC model, numerical simulation, polarization curves