Simulation for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with gradient catalyst loading
Keywords:
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell, Serpentine flow field, Platinum distribution on the cathodeAbstract
The performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cells depends on an electrochemical reaction on the electrode catalyst. Oxygen concentration decreases along the flow channel due to consumption during reaction. Gradient loading of catalyst along the decreased oxygen concentration is proposed in this work. This method can enhance the cell performance and save the catalyst consumption. This research aims to develop a mathematical model to predict the performance of a fuel cell. A polarization curve is used to show the cell performance. The results show that a fuel cell with a descending gradient catalyst loading provides better cell performance than that with a uniform loading. The gradient catalyst loading can give 45% catalyst consumption saving. The model results agree well with the experimental data.
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