Development of a Rapid Simulation Tool for PEM Fuel Cell Stacks

When investigating fuel cell stack design and performance detailed stack modeling is needed. By using a combination of the commercial software MATLAB and COMSOL, a stack model has been developed. The model incorporates a flow network model (FNM) and a 2D finite element method (FEM) model. The FNM model initially calculates the flow distribution in the stack, and transfers this information to the FEM model. The FEM model solves for electron transport, thermal conduction and simplified reactant and coolant transport. This stack model is validated and used to investigate the behaviour of a stack and individual cells under various operating conditions, with a special focus on cell-to-cell electrical coupling. Furthermore the effects of changing flow header dimensions are investigated. This type of modeling is well suited for initial stack performance estimates, and tests of worst case scenarios. This can contribute to faster stack design iterations.