An improved PEMFC model with plug flow in channels

An improved PEMFC model was developed. The improvement of the model included modification for electrochemical reaction and mass transfer limitation at cathode and anode side. Mass transfer coefficients were correlated with experimental average current density in parameter estimation. Using additional relationships for the correlated parameters reduced the number of fitting parameters from eight parameters to two parameters. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the unit model with the defined outlet function is sensitive to the estimated parameters. Good agreement confirmed the applicability of the model with the developed parameter estimation method for PEMFC. The outlet of the parameter estimation included mass transfer coefficients which contained valuable information about backing layer with porous media. Mass transfer coefficients decreased with current density. Polarization curve calculated by the model with estimated parameters agreed with experimental data from literature. This approach could be used to understand and investigate the effects of various parameters and operating conditions on the proton exchange membrane fuel cells performance for optimal design. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the AIChE Annual Meeting (Austin, TX 11/7-12/2004).