Abstract
Modeling plays an important role in the development of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), because it allows a better comprehension of the parameters affecting the fuel performances. PEMFC performances are strongly related to the mechanisms of mass transfer in the stack. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive model describing the transport phenomena in the cell and these influences on the fuel performances. First, we present the electrochemical model that takes into account the thermodynamic open circuit voltage and different voltage losses. Second, we present gas diffusion in porous electrodes, water diffusion and electro-osmotic transport through the polymeric membrane. The solutions of the mass transfer equations are used to calculate the fuel cells performances at different operating conditions.