(Invited) Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Lifetime Prediction By a Full Multi-Scale Modeling Approach

The objective of this communication is to provide a multi-scale modeling framework for fuel cells lifetime estimation. The methodology is based on a bottom-up approach to calculate the loss of active surface area based on the Ostwald ripening mechanism model developed at the micro-scale with a double layer model (called EDMOND model). By a direct coupling, the Ostwald module is incorporated in the 2D+0D dynamic fuel cell stack model (called PS++ model). Moreover, an original methodology is applied to extrapolate from a durability test the equivalent surface area loss taking into account both catalyst dissolution and oxidation (irreversible and reversible mechanisms). Two 2000-h durability tests validate the methodology and results. In particular, the effects of the dynamic operating conditions and the degradation heterogeneities along the surface of the cell are highlighted.