Analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) design parameters by simulation using OpenFCST

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