Improving proton exchange membrane fuel cells technology, together with hy-
drogen production and storage, can make these devices an important element
in the energy transition puzzle. A multi-dimensional, non-isothermal, two-
phase
ow numerical full MEA model is used to simulate a real experiment.
Once the results are validated, the same experimental model is used as a base-
line to study the e ect of parallel channel and current collector widths in the
PEMFC behavior. Further, the performance response is also evaluated for
di erent cathode catalyst layer compositions, varying the platinum and elec-
trolyte loadings. A part from these concrete studies, the model response to
an individual parameter variation is evaluated, under wet and dry conditions,
for parameters such as oxygen dissolution rate and water sorption constants,
thermal and electrical conductivities and contact angle in the di erent media
inside the cathode. The results show that keeping the baseline cathode catalyst
layer thickness, 3.75 m, modifying channel widths to 0.13 cm and discretely
through-plane grading the Pt/C content, the maximum power is increased by
15% with the same platinum loading when reactants are supplied with 90%
relative humidity. In the case of 75%RH, the improving is around the 20% by
just changing to 0.13 cm the channel width respect to the baseline.Outgoin
