TY - GEN
T1 - 3-D numerical simulation for fuel cell performance
AU - Jen, Tien Chien
AU - Chan, S. H.
AU - Yan, T. Z.
PY - 2002
Y1 - 2002
N2 - A 3-D mathematical model for the PEM fuel cell including gas channel has been developed to simulate fluid flow, current density distribution, and multi-component transport. In order to understand the developing fluid flow and mass transfer process inside the fuel cell channels, the conventional Navier-Stokes equations for gas channel, and volume-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for porous gas diffusers and catalyst layer are adopted individually in this study. A set of conservation equations and species concentration equations are solved numerically in a coupled gas channel and porous media domain using the vorticity-velocity method with power law scheme. Detailed development axial velocity and secondary flow fields at various axial positions in the entrance region are presented. Polarization curves under various operating conditions are demonstrated by solving the equations for electrochemical reactions and the membrane phase potential. Compared with experimental data from published literatures, numerical results of this model agree closely with experimental results. Finally, mass transport equations are solved at a preset condition of electrochemical reaction, and oxygen and hydrogen mole fraction distribution fields are displayed.
AB - A 3-D mathematical model for the PEM fuel cell including gas channel has been developed to simulate fluid flow, current density distribution, and multi-component transport. In order to understand the developing fluid flow and mass transfer process inside the fuel cell channels, the conventional Navier-Stokes equations for gas channel, and volume-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for porous gas diffusers and catalyst layer are adopted individually in this study. A set of conservation equations and species concentration equations are solved numerically in a coupled gas channel and porous media domain using the vorticity-velocity method with power law scheme. Detailed development axial velocity and secondary flow fields at various axial positions in the entrance region are presented. Polarization curves under various operating conditions are demonstrated by solving the equations for electrochemical reactions and the membrane phase potential. Compared with experimental data from published literatures, numerical results of this model agree closely with experimental results. Finally, mass transport equations are solved at a preset condition of electrochemical reaction, and oxygen and hydrogen mole fraction distribution fields are displayed.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78249272954&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1115/IMECE2002-32563
DO - 10.1115/IMECE2002-32563
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:78249272954
SN - 079183638X
SN - 9780791836385
T3 - ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings
SP - 409
EP - 421
BT - Heat Transfer
PB - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ER -
