Electrode structure effects on the performance of open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cells: A multiscale modeling approach

In this paper we present a new dynamic multiscale model of an open-cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The model describes two-phase water transport, electrochemistry and thermal management within a framework that combines a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach with a micro-structurally-resolved model predicting the water filling dynamics of the electrode pores and the impact of these dynamics on the evolution of the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). The model allows relating for the first time the cathode electrode structure to the cell voltage transient behavior during experimental changes in fuel cell temperature. The effect of evaporation rates, desorption rates and temperature changes on the performance of four different electrode pore size distributions are explored using steady-state and transient numerical simulations. The results are discussed with respect to water management and temperature control.