Development of 1-D multiphysics PEMFC model with dry limiting current experimental validation

The limiting current method is an effective in-situ diagnostic tool for studying oxygen transport resistance in a PEM fuel cell. In this study, we present both experimental and modeling results of a PEMFC operating from open circuit voltage to limiting current conditions. Operating conditions are 80 degrees C and 64% relative humidity. Pressure is varied from 118 kPa, 151 kPa, 201 kPa and 301 kPa. For each pressure the dry oxygen mole fraction is also varied from 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%. The ratio of porosity to tortuosity and the pressure independent O-2 transport resistance used in the newly developed 1-D steady state model are obtained from the in-situ limiting current experiment. The model incorporates non-isothermal heat transfer, convective and diffusive gas transport, electrochemical reaction kinetics, shorting and hydrogen cross over current, effects of land and channel geometry on transport resistance, membrane water balance and proton resistance based on non-linear water content in the membrane. The simulation results are validated by polarization curves and limiting current tests at various operation conditions. This steady state 1-D dry model successfully integrate and implement interactive multiphysics to predict fuel cell performance under dry operating conditions. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.