Modeling of the current limitations of PEFC

PEFC operation in the regime of limiting current has been considered. The phenomenon of oxygen depletion on the cathode is considered responsible for the highest current limits of the cell. The performance of the cell appears to depend strongly on the geometry of the gas diffuser and supply channels. The study of the most promising geometric configurations of the electrodes is carried out. We consider serpentine, interdigitated, and interlaced designs of the gas supply in the electrode. The effect of the geometry on the liquid water removal from the electrode and air pressure in gas channels are studied to identify the best geometry of the gas supply net in terms of the maximum cell current. A comparison between model predictions and experimental data is carried out. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006

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