Validation of PEMFC Computer Models Using Segmented Current and Temperature Data

We present recent work on quantifying the impact of local temperature data in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) model predictions. In particular, we compare differences in prediction of cell voltage and local current distribution when using either i) uniform cathode collector temperature and ii) spatially variable cathode collector temperature obtained from experimental data. We find that changes in temperature of +5/-2 C can result in +/-3 percent change in local current distribution. We conclude that local temperature data should be incorporated into PEMFC models in validation procedures when available.