A two phase model of a phosphoric acid doped PEM fuel cell

A two phase model of a phosphoric acid doped PEM fuel cell Conference

Cheddie, DF, Munroe, NDH. (2006). A two phase model of a phosphoric acid doped PEM fuel cell . 2006

A two-phase model of an intermediate temperature (120-200°C) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is presented. This model accounts for two phase effects due to gas solubility in the phosphoric acid/PBI electrolyte, and considers aqueous phase electrochemical reactions. It accounts for all polarization and transport phenomena, and shows a good fit with experimental data in the temperature range (150-190°C). This paper investigates catalyst utilization in intermediate temperature PEM fuel cells with phosphoric acid doped membranes. Simulations show that, under normal operation, 1 - 2 % of the catalyst is utilized at both electrodes. Strategies are suggested to help reduce the cost of producing power from such systems. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.