Event Details
PEM Fuel Cell Modeling
Presenter: Mr. Torsten Berning
Supervisor:
Date: Thu, February 1, 2001
Time: 15:00:00 - 16:00:00
Place: EOW 108 (IESVic Office)
ABSTRACT
Abstract
Detailed measurements of properties such as the fluid flow distribution, species concentration, temperature distribution and local current densities are difficult to obtain during the operation of a fuel cell. Nonetheless, information like that is critical for improving the fuel cell performance, reducing cost and identifying possible failure mechanisms. Therefore, numerical models that are capable of producing this information would be very useful for design and optimization as well as improved fundamental understanding of transport processes in fuel cells.
In the past years, a detailed three-dimensional model for a PEM fuel cell has been developed at the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria (IESVic). Building on earlier theoretical work, and taking advantage of modern computational fluid dynamics techniques, this model takes into account major transport phenomena in a PEM fuel cell. It relies on the numerical solution of the equations expressing conservation of mass and momentum as well as energy and chemical species. This presentation will show results obtained in a parametric study conducted with this model. Geometrical as well as operational and material parameters were varied, and their effect on the fuel cell performance was evaluated.
All are welcome to attend.
Susan Walton
Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)
(250) 721-6295