CFDRC engineers has the tools and expertise necessary to rigorously model the fundamental physics of PEM fuel cells. We have developed models that account for:

• Phase change (evaporation/condensation)
• Electro-osmotic drag
• Capillary action in the porous media due to surface tension
• Fluid acceleration in the porous media
• Electrochemical reactions
• Diffusion in the catalyst and gas diffusion layers
• Membrane physics, Nafion 117 membrane already built-in
• Heat transfer

CFDRC can help in investigating the following issues related to PEM fuel cells:

• Membrane (de)hydration, water (liquid & vapor) formation and transport
• Effect of relative humidity, temperature and pressure on cell performance
• Losses in various regions of membrane electrode assembly
• Effect of porosity, tortuosity and catalyst loading on cell performance

3D Simulation of Liquid Water Formation
and Transport in a PEM Fuel Cell

Please contact us for more information about our fuel cell modeling capabilities.