Liu H., Zhou T.
University of Miami, US
Keywords: CFD model, fuel cell applications, PEM fuel cell
In recent years, various fuel cell models based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been developed at the Fuel Cell Laboratory, University of Miami. These 2-or 3-dimensional models account for all the major transport phenomena in all the major components of a fuel cell: two flow fields, two gas-diffusion layers, two catalyst layers and the membrane. If necessary, collector plates, cooling channels and other components can easily be included in the modeling domain. These models can provide detailed multi-dimensional distributions of gas concentrations, current density, over-potential, temperature, water content and reaction rates, as well as polarizations curves. Application of these CFD-based models to various fuel cell operating situations will be presented and the uniqueness of such multi-dimensional models will be discussed. The limitations of such models and the need for multidisciplinary research, including those in micro/nano-scales, will also be addressed.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: February 23, 2003
Pages: 463 - 466
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Fuel cells & Hydrogen
ISBN: 0-9728422-2-5