ENTROPY GENERATION ANALYSIS FOR A PEM FUEL-CELL WITH A BIOMIMETIC FLOW FIELD

The present paper shows an entropy generation analysis for a PEM fuel cell. The numerical model takes into account the complete solution of Navier-Stokes, energy conservation, species conservation and two potential fields for the transport of electrons and protons in the collectors and membrane respectively. The entropy generation equation is added to the governing equations using the solutions provided from the energy, momentum, species and potential flow equations. The entropy generation analysis reveals the locations where the main losses (irreversibilities) are produced. This in consequence shows the best flow field to minimize the entropy production. A new parameter is proposed in this work that will compare the entropy production due to the mass flow to the total entropy production.