An analytic and numerical modeling of a membrane humidifier for PEM fuel cell

The performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is intensively depends on the proper humidification. A membrane humidifier is mainly applied to the external humidification of PEM fuel cell. In the present study, an analytical (thermodynamic) and numerical (two-dimensional CFD) steady state model developed for a plate-and-frame membrane humidifier for PEM fuel cell. The results show that the water transfer rate increases with an increase in the inlet flow rate at wet side, and an increase in the average temperature of system. The value of RH decreases noticeably as gas flow channel height increases. By employing these models many parameters can be studied such as all geometric parameters, membrane properties (porosity, permeability and thickness) and operation conditions.

Keywords:

membrane humidifier , water transport , thermodynamic model , CFD