Simulation of PEM fuel cells by OpenFOAM

摘要: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are known as environmental friendly energy conservation device, and have the potential to be suitable alternative power sources. The cost durability of a PEM cell strongly affected by involved transport phenomena reactions there two major challenges overcome before commercialization. Modeling simulation crucial for design optimization various “add-on” modules available in commonly-used commercial CFD codes: FLUENT, STAR-CD COMSOL Multiphysics. However, length scale cell’s main components ranges from micro over meso macro level. processes at different scales sometimes cannot simulated simultaneously these codes. On other hand, physical properties materials used MEA (membrane electrolyte assembly, consisting catalyst layers, gas diffusion layers membrane) play an important role on performance. Therefore coupling multiscale structural characteristics will most effective way understand electrochemical transient cell. OpenFOAM (Open Field Operation Manipulation) is open source finite volume code has object-oriented written C++, which allows implementing own models numerical algorithms. Furthermore, it possible insert models, e.g., particlebased Toolbox. Thus meet requirements faced simulations mentioned above. In this paper, literatures outlined reviewed. methods with modeling techniques also discussed highlighted.