
Highlights
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A model for hydrogen AAEM fuel cell with saturation jump in electrode is developed.
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Effects of MPL, anode back pressure and membrane thickness are investigated.
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Anode MPL, anode pressurization and membrane thickness reduction are favorable.
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Cathode MPL shows insignificant influence due to cathode dryout.
Abstract
In this study, a whole-cell 3D multiphase non-isothermal model is developed for hydrogen alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) fuel cell, and the interfacial effect on the two-phase transport in porous electrode is also considered in the model. The results show that the insertion of anode MPL, slight anode pressurization and reduction of membrane thickness generally improve the cell performance because the water transport from anode to cathode is enhanced, which favors both the mass transport and membrane hydration. The effect of cathode MPL is generally insignificant because liquid water rarely presents in cathode. It is demonstrated that slight pressurization of anode, which might not lead to apparent damage to the membrane, can effectively solve the anode flooding and cathode dryout issues.
Keywords
- Alkaline anion exchange membrane;
- Micro porous layer;
- Back pressure;
- Membrane thickness;
- Interfacial effect
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