One-Dimensional Simulation of a Polymer Electrolyte MembraneFuel Cell Performance

In this study, an in-house code has been developed to simulate the ohmic and concentration lossesof the components in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell such as, its membrane, gasdiffusion layer and bipolar plate. The governing equations on catalyst layer of fuel cell forcalculating the fuel cell efficiency have been solved. Also, parametric studies to consider theeffects of parameters such as, porosity coefficient of gas diffusion layer, saturation of gas layer,gas diffusion layer thickness, and the degree of saturation at the cathode catalyst layer on the fuelcell performance and its efficiency have been conducted. The results show that the degree ofsaturation in the cathode catalyst layer has the most effect on the activation losses of fuel cell andits performance.

Keywords:

Gas diffusion layer , Cathode catalyst layer , Polymer membrane , Fuel cell voltage , Activation loss