A Layered Numerical Model for Cold Start in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract:

In terms of complex physical and chemical phenomenon of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in cold start, a novel numerical model of PEMFC in cold start was developed. The model comprehensively considered electrochemical reaction, thermal and water and phase change mechanism in cold start. Three factors, ionomer volume fraction in catalyst layer, porosity and membrane thickness, were investigated. The indicator of water storage capacity(WSC) was finally introduced to evaluate the cold start capability of PEMFC.