Modeling Of Transport Phenomena in A PEM Fuel Cell
Kerkoub Youcef1, Kerboua Ziari Yasmina2, Benzaoui Ahmed3

1Kerkoub Youcef, Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Energy Systems, Faculty of Physics, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), BP 32 El-Alia Bab Ezzouar.
2Kerboua Ziari Yasmina, Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Energy Systems, Faculty of Physics, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), BP 32 El-Alia Bab Ezzouar, Algiers.
3Benzaoui Ahmed, Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Energy Systems, Faculty of Physics, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), BP 32 El-Alia Bab Ezzouar, Algiers.
Manuscript received on February 03, 2013. | Revised Manuscript received on February 27, 2013. | Manuscript published on March 05, 2013. | PP: 334-336 | Volume-3 Issue-1, March 2013. | Retrieval Number: A1392033113/2013©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Published By: Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: In this paper, a three dimensional non-isothermal and steady state model is presented. This model takes into account the transport of reactants, heat, charge species and fluid flow in all parts of the cell in conjunction with the electrochemical reaction. The solid collectors are also included in this model in view to approach a realistic system representation. These processes have a significant impact on water management. Water management ensures that the membrane remains fully hydrated to maintain good ionic conductivity and performance. This work focuses on the effect of gradients of pressure between the anode and cathode, on the performance of the cell and also investigates the effect of these parameters on water management within the cell. Different cases of these gradients have been investigated and compared to the experimental results reported by Wang [2000].
Keywords: PEMFC fuel cell—energy—hydrogen —electrical performance.