Abstract
Mathematical models on transport processes and reactions in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell generally assume an isothermal cell behavior for sake of simplicity. This work aims at exploring how a non-isothermal cell body affects the performance of PEM fuel cells with single and double serpentine cathode flow fields, considering the effects of flow channel cross-sectional areas. Low thermal conductivities of porous layers in the cell and low heat transfer coefficients at the surface of current collectors, as commonly adopted in cell design, increase the cell temperature. High cell temperature evaporates fast the liquid water, hence reducing the cathode flooding; however, the yielded low membrane water content reduces proton transport rate, thereby increasing ohmic resistance of membrane. An optimal cell temperature is presented to maximize the cell performance. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 4926-4934 |
| Journal | Electrochimica Acta |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue number | 17 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].Research Keywords
- Flow channel size
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cell
- Serpentine flow field
- Two-phase model
