Water management in PEMFC: 1-D model simulations

The water management is a critical problem to overcome in the PEM fuel cell technology. Models play an important role in fuel cell development since they enable the understanding of the influence of different parameters on the cell performance allowing a systematic simulation, design and optimization of fuel cells systems. In this work, a model previously developed and validated, is used to predict the water transport through the cell. The influence of membrane thickness and transport properties, reactants pressure and relative humidity and operation temperature, on the water content through the membrane and on the cell performance was studied. The model predicts the membrane water content and water concentration profiles across the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This work represents a useful tool to set-up suitable operating conditions leading to an optimised water management producing a better performance for PEM fuel cells.