Stack-level validation of a semi-analytic channel-to-channel fuel cell model for two-phase water distribution boundary value control

A dynamic model combining analytic and numeric solutions to the partial differential equations (PDE) describing mass transport in the gas diffusion layers (GDL) of a fuel cell is verified by voltage prediction. The model estimates the effect of stack temperature changes, reactant gas concentration fluctuation, and excess liquid water (flooding) in the GDL. The semi-analytic model is more computationally efficient than a fully numeric model, and includes both anode and cathode channel dynamics enabling future boundary value control.