Transient Characteristics of the Low-Temperature PEMFC: A Comparative Analysis Using a Physics-Based Model
Authors: Desai Akshaykumar Narsinhbhai , Mohanty Surajeet , Ramadesigan Venkatasailanathan , Singh Suneet 
Published: February 2024

Low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (LT-PEMFCs) have experienced a considerable technological leap in the last few decades for transportation and stationary applications. Specifically, the precious metal loading in the catalyst layers (CLs) is notably decreased while enhancing the overall cell performance.1 However, the durability and cost remain major factors that affect the widespread commercialization of the LT-PEMFC. Though this can be achieved with further material development, some existing issues may be resolved by implementing effective design and control strategies. A good understanding of fuel cell water dynamics is required to improve durability and performance. Although some dynamic characteristics can be observed from the experiments, a physics-based model of the LT-PEMFC is necessary to study in-depth transient responses under various conditions like current profiles, operating temperatures, pressure, and humidification levels. Lately, the transient analysis of the fuel cell has gained more attention to elucidate the complex transport phenomena.2 Several transient models of the LT-PEMFC are reported to capture the two-phase behavior inside the cell. Usually, these models are 1D, 2D, or single channel 3D with assumptions like isothermal operation, vapor-equilibrated membrane, simplified reaction kinetics, and more.3–5 Hence, they do not provide spatio-temporal insights into the cell performance containing water dynamics with various flow configurations.

The current study focuses on a transient physics-based model of the LT-PEMFC for dynamic analysis across its thickness and flow channels. The membrane used in LT-PEMFC requires humidification to enhance the ionic conductivity and function properly.6 This study considers Schroeder’s paradox for the membrane, which exhibits a different water uptake behavior in the presence of saturated water vapor and liquid water.7 The water uptake property is strongly dependent on the temperature. Therefore, we have developed a single polynomial expression for the membrane water uptake, including temperature and water activity dependency. Using the governing equations & empirical correlations from the numerical and experimental studies, we develop a comprehensive 3D, multiphase, non-isothermal, transient physics-based model of the LT-PEMFC that can closely approximate the liquid water transport under various operating conditions. It is a Multiphysics model that couples electrochemical reactions, porous media flow, transport of reactant species, liquid water transport, heat generation, charge transfer, and ionomer water transport. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to solve the model. It provides a spatio-temporal water distribution inside the membrane, CL, microporous layer, gas diffusion layer, and flow channels. Experiments are performed on 32 cm2 LT-PEMFC with the hybrid flow configuration at 75 °C and 80% RH to validate the physics-based model in the steady state condition. The validation study suggests that the present multiphase model estimates the LT-PEMFC performance with an acceptable RMS current density error of 15 mA/cm2. The simulations are operated in the Galvano-dynamic mode, and the corresponding LT-PEMFC response for the hybrid configuration is shown in Figure 1(a) at various operating pressures. Also, the preliminary results of the liquid water saturation under the channel and rib are incorporated in Figure 1(b). It shows that the water accumulation under the rib is more than the channel due to lower local temperature and weaker convection under the rib, promoting water vapor condensation. Further, the comparison between hybrid and parallel configurations is performed and illustrated in this presentation. Another objective is to study how quickly the liquid water saturation and membrane water content react upon changing the load cycle, RH, operating temperature, and flow configuration. This work is an important step toward understanding the impact of various flow configurations and operating conditions on the water dynamics and membrane water content inside the LT-PEMFC. The developed physics-based model would be extended further by considering the membrane deformation due to the shrinking-swelling under the humidification and thermal cycling, which is critical for the performance and degradation.

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Figure 1