A new generation zero-dimensional physics-based model for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

International audienceFinding a good trade-off between accuracy and complexity, computational cost of physics-based models of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells is not an easy task. Relatively simple zero-dimensional (0D) models allow for fast simulation and integration in more complex system-level models. On the downside, sensitivity to varying operating conditions is not necessarily well captured, especially for strong current densities where liquid water, gas transport resistance and temperature gradients may be present. Therefore, the current trend in the literature is towards more complex models going from 1D+1D to 3D models, where full transport equations are solved, at the expense of a high computational cost and an impressive list of required input parameters (not always readily available) [1]. Except for a few works, such as the ones from Ritzberger et al. [2] or Schröder et al. [3], not much effort has been addressed at developing performant 0D models since the foundation works of early 2000s. Here we propose a new generation physics-based PEM fuel cell 0D model which consider recent insights gained from experimental work on oxygen transport resistance [4,5] and catalyst layer proton resistance [6], ionomer thin-film properties [7] and platinum oxidation [8]. An analytical solution for water transport in the PFSA membrane developed by Ferrara et al. [9] is also included. A first validation of the model against experimental data and model results from Gass et al. [10] and Goshtasbi et al. [11] is presented, which shows that the model captures well the impact of varying operating conditions