Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

A Review of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations on PEFC Performance

Chen Y*, Enearu OL, Montalvao D and Sutharssan T

Among the number of fuel cells in existence, the proton exchange fuel cell (PEFC) has been favoured because of its numerous applications. These applications range from small power generation in cell phones, to stationary power plants or vehicular applications. However, the principle of operation on PEFCs naturally leads to the development of water from the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has played an important role in many research and development projects. From automotive to aerospace and even medicine, to the development of fuel cells, by making it possible to investigate different scenarios and fluid flow patterns for optimal performance. CFD allows for in-situ analysis of PEFCs, by studying fluid flow and heat and mass transfer phenomena, thus reducing the need for expensive prototypes and cutting down test-time by a substantial amount. This paper aims at investigating the advances made in the use of CFD as a technique for the performance and optimisation of PEFCs to identify the research and development opportunities in the field, such as the performance of a novel PEFC, with focus on the underlying physics and in-situ analysis of the operations.