Mesh sensitivity analysis for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells using ANSYS Fluent

Abstract

Improving the design of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) is crucial but requires a deep understanding of the basic science surrounding the technology. In this study, the membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA), catalyst layers channels, and gas diffusion layers are modelled using the commercial PEMFC simulation package built into ANSYS FLUENT 12.1. With various mesh sizes of 20,40 and 80 cells, a mesh sensitivity study of a cross-section of the fuel cell membrane, anode, and cathode, was carried out while 16000 data iterations were collected. The simulation results showed that all data points of membrane and anode layers converged before or at 10,000 iterations, while varying cathode needs more time to converge. A study of iterations and convergence, resulting in the comparison of various meshes at different data points, is discussed while a comprehensive description of the simulation’s parameters is provided, and the emphasis is placed on determining the convergence criteria that are necessary for delivering consistent results. One of the purposes of this experiment is to demonstrate that high-quality computer modelling and simulation of fuel cells can accelerate the discovery of fuel cell components that are optimally designed. As a result, the study confirmed that computer modelling can contribute to a better understanding the mechanics and reactions occurring within the fuel cell and its layers in order to improve its performance and lifecycle in the future.