Presented at the COMSOL Users Conference 2006 Boston

Comparison of 2D PEM Fuel Cell Modeling Using Comsol Multipyisics

Zhongying Shi, Xia Wang, Zhuqian Zhang

Department of Mechanical Engineering Oakland University wang@oakland.edu COMSOL USER CONFERENCE 2006, OTC 23, 2006, BOSTON

Outline
Introduction Objective Model description Solution technique using COMSOL Multiphysics Results Conclusion

Oakland University ME Department Email: wang@oakland.edu

PEM Fuel Cell Basics

Introduction

Half Cell Reaction Anode side: H2 2H++2eCathode side: O2+2H++ 4e- 2H2O

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PEM fuel cell Applications

PEM fuel cell features
Low operating temperature High power density Low noise and maintenance low emission

Introduction

Picture source: www.fuelcelltoday.com

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PEM Fuel Cell Research

Experiment limitations:
Costly and time consuming Difficult to measure the parameters inside the cell Results are not replicable

Introduction

Numerical models:
1D:inaccurate due to many assumptions 3D: computationally intensive 2D: computationally efficient compared to 3D model More accurate compared to 1D

Oakland University ME Department Email: wang@oakland.edu

Objective

To develop a 2D simulation tool for PEM fuel cell in two different modes using COMSOL Multiphysics

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Procedures
Assumptions Geometry

Parameters

Governing Equation

Boundary Conditions

Solver

COMSOL Multiphysics

Result Analysis

Postprocess tool

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Model Assumptions
Laminar Flow Ideal gas mixture Constant operating temperature Vapor form of water (Single Phase) O2, H2O and N2 on the cathode H2 and H2O on the anode

Oakland University ME Department Email: wang@oakland.edu

2D Model Geometry

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Equation System of PEMFC Modeling

( K s ,eff s ) = 0
( K m ,eff m ) = 0
Bc :( K s ,eff s ) n = ia
Reaction Rate represente d by current density : i = i0 [ c nF cH 2 nF exp( A ) O 2 exp( C )] c H 2, R RT cO 2 , R RT

N M M P T i + i Dij { ( j + j ) + (x j j ) } + i u + DiT = Ri Mj M P t T j =1

Bc : J H 2 =
u= kp P

ia MH2 2F
Flow channel

GDL

(c u ) = 0
g

Bc: u =

ia i MH2 + a drag MH 2O 2F F

u (u + (u ) T ) + (u )u + P = 0 t u = 0
Cell operating conditions

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COMSOL Multiphysics Modules

Module Conductive Media DC
(Electrodes)

Dependent variables Solid Phase Potential Electrolyte Potential Pressure Velocity & Pressure Mass Fraction of H2 and H2O Mass Fraction of O2 H2O and N2

Conductive Media DC
(Membrane)

Darcys Law Incompressible Navier Stokes Maxwell-Stafen Diffusion and Convection (Anode side) Maxwell-Stafen Diffusion and Convection (Cathode side)

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Model Domain and Solver

Meshes: 9724 elements Degrees of Freedom: 70348 Solver: Stationary Nonlinear Interface: Interior boundary Computational Domain

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Coupling variables

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Channel: Navier-Stokes

GDL: Darcys Law

Solution Strategy

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Solution Strategy

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Solution Strategy

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Results

H2, O2 Concentration (X-Z)

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Results

O2, H2 Concentration (X-Y)

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Convective & Diffusive Flux

Diffusive Flux

Concective Flux

Concective Flux
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Polarization Curve
Polarization Curve and Output Power Density Polarization Curve Output Power Density 1 1.2

Vcell Maximum Point

1 Output Power Density(W/cm2)

Cell Voltage(V)

0.8

0.8

0.6

0.6

0.4

Power density=V*J

0.4

0.2

0.2

0 0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8 1 Current Density(A/cm2)

1.2

1.4

0 1.6

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Electrical Potential Distribution

Cathode electrode potential

Anode electrode potential Electrolyte potential

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Potential distribution

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Conclusions
Developed a 2-D, single phase, isothermal PEM fuel cells model in two different modes. Investigated
the transport phenomena electrical potential distribution

Identified a major electrical potential decrease in the membrane. Solved the coupled governing equations using COMSOL Multiphysics

Oakland University ME Department Email: wang@oakland.edu

Questions ?

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