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To cite this version:M. Zeidan, Ch. Turpin, F. Cantin, S. Astier. Steady state macroscopic model of the influence of water on the performances of a micro air-breathing fuel cell. European Physical Journal: Applied Physics, EDP Sciences, 2011, 54 (2) Model of the influence of water on a micro air-breathing fuel cell Abstract. Water management is one of the most crucial issues to drive PEM fuel cells. The challenge is enhanced in the case of Micro Air-Breathing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (µABFC): their thinness and their reduced surface indeed make their hydration state fast changing and very sensitive to the experimental conditions (temperature and Relative Humidity (RH)). It can lead to strong flooding or drying out issues. Firstly, this study highlights this sensitivity by various measurements. Then a steady state macroscopic model for the µABFC is proposed, focusing on the cathode, using a rather original approach for diffusion in porous media. Finally, a literal steady state formula for the water content is provided, and its influences on the performances of the µABFC are explicitly proposed. The model is parameterized and compared to measures in several atmospheric conditions.

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