Performance Comparison Between Planar and Tubular-Shaped PEM Fuel Cells by Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation

The results of a numerical simulation of the current distribution of a three-dimensional, tubular shaped, proton exchange membrane fuel cell model are presented. An integrated flow and current density model to predict current density distributions in two dimensions along the membrane has been developed. The numerical model has a cylindrical geometry that includes diffusion layers on the anode and cathode side, the anode being the inner most electrode, and solves the same primary flow related variables along the channels and the diffusion layers. The simulation W,IS performed with commercial flow solver software where a control volume approach was used and source term equations that characterize the electrochemical aspects of the fuel cell have been added.