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A Three-Dimensional Simulation Model for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Conventional and Bimetallic Catalyst Layers

Author

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  • Stefanos Tzelepis

    (Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Campus Ancient Olive Grove, University of West Attica, 250, Thivon & P. Ralli Str., 12244 Athens, Greece)

  • Kosmas A. Kavadias

    (Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Campus Ancient Olive Grove, University of West Attica, 250, Thivon & P. Ralli Str., 12244 Athens, Greece)

  • George E. Marnellos

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
    Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

A three-dimensional steady-state model has been developed to study the phenomena that occurs during Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell’s (PEMFC) operation. Electrochemical and transport phenomena on both the anode and cathode sides were investigated. Particular emphasis has been given to the composition and structure of the catalyst layers (CLs), considering parameters such as the metal loading, the most effective specific metal surface, the agglomeration, and the particle size. In this context, two types of CLs were investigated. The first type concerns conventional CLs consisting of Pt/C, while the second type refers to bimetallic CLs consisting of Pt-Ru/C. In both cases, the CLs were examined for various loadings of Pt, Ru, and C to define the optimum atomic ratio for an enhanced PEMFC performance, while, in parallel, possible challenges are intedified. The mathematical model for simulating the entire phenomena and the method for modeling the bimetallic catalyst layers are presented. The results show a good agreement between the model and the experimental data reported in the literature. Additionally, the scenario of bimetallic CLs consisting of Pt-Ru/C with a ratio of 50-50 (Pt-Ru) significantly improved the overall PEMFC electrochemical performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefanos Tzelepis & Kosmas A. Kavadias & George E. Marnellos, 2023. "A Three-Dimensional Simulation Model for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Conventional and Bimetallic Catalyst Layers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:10:p:4086-:d:1146670
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Atyabi, Seyed Ali & Afshari, Ebrahim & Shakarami, Negar, 2023. "Three-dimensional multiphase modeling of the performance of an open-cathode PEM fuel cell with additional cooling channels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PA).
    2. Xing, Lei & Mamlouk, Mohamed & Scott, Keith, 2013. "A two dimensional agglomerate model for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 196-210.
    3. Saeidfar, Asal & Yesilyurt, Serhat, 2023. "Numerical investigation of the effects of catalyst layer composition and channel to rib width ratios for low platinum loaded PEMFCs," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    4. Tzelepis, Stefanos & Kavadias, Kosmas A. & Marnellos, George E. & Xydis, George, 2021. "A review study on proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrochemical performance focusing on anode and cathode catalyst layer modelling at macroscopic level," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
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    1. Raquel Busqué & Matias Bossio & Enric Rovira & Albert Brigido, 2025. "Simulation and Analysis of Different Bipolar Plate Geometrical Parameters on the Performance of PEM Fuel Cells Applying the Taguchi Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.

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