A Transient Fuel Cell Model to Simulate HTPEM Fuel Cell Impedance Spectra

Abstract

This paper presents a spatially resolved transient fuel cell model applied to the simulation of high temperature PEM fuel cell impedance spectra. The model is developed using a 2D finite volume method approach. The model is resolved along the channel and across the membrane. The model considers diffusion of cathode gas species in gas diffusion layers and catalyst layer, transport of protons in the membrane and the catalyst layers, and double layer capacitive effects in the catalyst layers. The model has been fitted simultaneously to a polarization curve and to an impedance spectrum recorded in the laboratory. A simultaneous fit to both curves is not achieved. In order to investigate the effects of the fitting parameters on the simulation results, a parameter variation study is carried out. It is concluded that some of the fitting parameters assume values which are not realistic. In order to remedy this, phenomena neglected in this version of the model must be incorporated in future versions.