Numerical prediction of mass-exchange between cathode and anode channels in a PEM fuel cell

A numerical model is developed to predict the mass flow between channels in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell with a serpentine flow path. The complete three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations with multi-species mixture are solved and electro-chemical reactions are modeled as mass source/sink terms in the control volumes. The results indicate that flow distribution in both anode and cathode channels are significantly affected by the mass consumption patterns on the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). The water transport is governed by both electro-osmosis and diffusion processes. Further, the overall pressure drop is less than that expected for a regular straight channel flow.