Quasi-3D Model for Diagnostics of Experimental Performance Curve of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Fast acting quasi-3D model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is developed. The model utilizes multi-scale approach taking advantage of large difference in the spatial scales in the direction along and perpendicular to the gas channels. This allows to decompose the numerical solution of 3D reaction-transport equations on the 2D problem in the plane perpendicular to the gas channels and 1D equations along the channels. The model is formulated in terms of Characteristic Currents (CCs), calibration lumped parameters that characterize the rate of specific processes in the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). The model calibration through experimental V-I curve using χ 2 optimization criterion determines the values of CCs for a particular MEA and allows to identify the process that limits performance of this MEA. After calibration, the model allows to predict the PEMFC performance with this particular MEA but arbitrary geometry of bipolar plate. The model predictions are in a good agreement with the literature experimental data.