3D MODELING OF POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL AND HYDRIDE HYDROGEN STORAGE TANK

3D dynamic models are developed for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and hydrogen tanks, respectively. In the fuel cell model, we consider the major transport and electrochemical processes within the key components of a single PEFC that govern fuel cell transient including the electrochemical double-layer behavior, mass/heat transport, liquid water dynamics, and membrane water uptake. As to modeling hydrogen tanks, we consider a LaNi5-based system and develop a general formula that describes hydrogen absorption/desorption. The model couples the hydride reaction kinetics and mass/heat transport. The dynamic characteristics of the PEFC and hydrogen tank, together with the possible coupling of the two systems, are discussed.