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Analytical calculation and evaluation of water transport through a proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on a one-dimensional model

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  • Hu, Junming
  • Li, Jianqiu
  • Xu, Liangfei
  • Huang, Fusen
  • Ouyang, Minggao

Abstract

A one-dimensional model accounting for chief water transport phenomena in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is developed. The water transfer process in catalyst layers (membrane water absorption/desorption) is explicitly taken into account and the mathematical descriptions of the Schroeder's paradox are presented in this model. In addition, to solve two-phase problems in gas diffusion layers (GDLs) without using complex numerical approach, the assumption of an infinite phase change rate is applied and the analytical solutions to the two-phase model equations are derived. Based on the model and the analytical solutions, an identification procedure using the iterative approach is proposed to (1) determine the net water flux through the membrane, (2) obtain exact water profiles in all components of PEM fuel cell and (3) predict the dehydration and flooding. The AC impedance technique is used to analyze the cell performance and the predicting capability of the model-based approach is validated. The measurements and predictions both reveal the effect of electro-osmotic drag on drying the anode at high current and the trade-off between membrane dehydration and water flooding in the cell.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Junming & Li, Jianqiu & Xu, Liangfei & Huang, Fusen & Ouyang, Minggao, 2016. "Analytical calculation and evaluation of water transport through a proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on a one-dimensional model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 869-883.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:111:y:2016:i:c:p:869-883
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Zhang, Qinguo & Tong, Zheming & Tong, Shuiguang & Cheng, Zhewu, 2021. "Self-humidifying effect of air self-circulation system for proton exchange membrane fuel cell engines," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 1143-1155.
    7. Bai, Fan & Quan, Hong-Bing & Yin, Ren-Jie & Zhang, Zhuo & Jin, Shu-Qi & He, Pu & Mu, Yu-Tong & Gong, Xiao-Ming & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2022. "Three-dimensional multi-field digital twin technology for proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
    8. Dapeng Gong & Sichuan Xu & Yuan Gao, 2023. "Investigation of Water and Heat Transfer Mechanism in PEMFCs Based on a Two-Phase Non-Isothermal Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    9. Yang, Yuchen & Wu, Zhen & Wang, Bofei & Yao, Jing & Yang, Fusheng & Zhang, Zaoxiao & Ren, Jianwei, 2024. "Efficient water recovery and power generation system based on air-cooled fuel cell with semi-closed cathode circulation mode," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 364(C).
    10. Xu, Liangfei & Fang, Chuan & Li, Jianqiu & Ouyang, Minggao & Lehnert, Werner, 2018. "Nonlinear dynamic mechanism modeling of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with dead-ended anode considering mass transport and actuator properties," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C), pages 106-121.
    11. Lin, Rui & Wang, Hong & Zhu, Yu, 2021. "Optimizing the structural design of cathode catalyst layer for PEM fuel cells for improving mass-specific power density," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    12. Marco Mariani & Andrea Basso Peressut & Saverio Latorrata & Riccardo Balzarotti & Maurizio Sansotera & Giovanni Dotelli, 2021. "The Role of Fluorinated Polymers in the Water Management of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.
    13. Wu, Horng-Wen & Shih, Gin-Jang & Chen, Yi-Bin, 2018. "Effect of operational parameters on transport and performance of a PEM fuel cell with the best protrusive gas diffusion layer arrangement," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 47-58.
    14. Dapeng Gong & Sichuan Xu & Xuhui Wang & Yuan Gao, 2022. "Numerical Study on the Effects of Water and Heat Transport on Two-Phase Flow in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-24, November.
    15. Liu, Jiaran & Tan, Jinzhu & Yang, Weizhan & Li, Yang & Wang, Chao, 2021. "Better electrochemical performance of PEMFC under a novel pneumatic clamping mechanism," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    16. Hong, Po & Xu, Liangfei & Li, Jianqiu & Ouyang, Minggao, 2017. "Modeling of membrane electrode assembly of PEM fuel cell to analyze voltage losses inside," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 277-288.
    17. Chen, Lei & Chen, Yanyu & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2023. "Schroeder's paradox in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    18. Cha, Dowon & Jeon, Seung Won & Yang, Wonseok & Kim, Dongwoo & Kim, Yongchan, 2018. "Comparative performance evaluation of self-humidifying PEMFCs with short-side-chain and long-side-chain membranes under various operating conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 320-328.

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