Abstract
In order to deepen the understanding of the main phenomena governing PEM fuel cell performance, we present a steady state, two dimensional model which accounts simultaneously for species transport, electrochemical kinetics, and current distribution as well as flow dynamics. The problem is stated in a Cartesian coordinates system, involves the use of a control-volume method and solves a single set of governing equations valid for flow channels, gas-diffusion electrodes, catalyst layers and membrane region. The results are compared to the available data and the agreement is satisfactory. The effects of parameters such as humidity, porosity, pressure and electrode thickness on the cell performance were also investigated.