One dimensional model for water management through the membrane of a hydrogen pem fuel cell

Abstract EN

This work presents a one dimensional modeling study for water movement through the membrane of a hydrogen fuel cell.

The model studies the effect of electro-osmotic drag, pressure gradient and back diffusion on local water concentration through the membrane.

It is found that the current density increases the water movement due to electro-osmotic drag while the pressure gradient increases the hydraulic permeation and back diffusion.

It is also found that after about 30 seconds both effects are equalized and the water concentration throughout the membrane reaches equilibrium state.