FUEL CELL DETAILED MODELLING

Fuel cell simulation can be approached from a detailed or simplified point of view. Even if simplified models can well be used when the fuel cell is integrated in very complex systems, detailed models allow a better understanding of phenomena occurring in the fuel cell and consequent good optimisation of its performance. In fact, the knowledge of local values is important for identifying possible critical situations and choosing better operating conditions.
In this paper, the detailed modelling approach used at the Department of Environmental Engineering of the University of Genoa (DIAM) will be presented from electrode-scale micromodelling up to stack-scale three-dimensional macro-modelling for steady state and transient simulation.
Computational codes have been set-up on the basis of the theoretical models. The codes solve mass, energy and momentum local balances quickly supplying the maps of the main electrical, chemical and physical parameters.
We will describe also the graphical interface set-up in order to make the simulation tools more user-friendly.
In particular, starting with results obtained for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells, the research aims of the primary author's PhD thesis will be described in terms of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell modelling.