Three-dimensional computational analysis of transport phenomena in a PEM fuel cell Berning, T 30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS; ELECTROCHEMISTRY; HYDROGEN PRODUCTION; FLUID FLOW; TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE; COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION; MATHEMATICAL MODELS A comprehensive three-dimensional, non-isothermal computational model of a PEM fuel cell has been developed to examine the impact of different operating parameters on performance. PEM fuel cells are electrochemical devices which rely on the transport of oxygen and hydrogen to produce water and heat. The transport processes are complex because they involve phase change, porous media and a complex geometry. A computational fluid dynamics code is used in the model to account for several flow phenomena such as water and proton transport through the membrane, transport of electrons, phase change of water, temperature variations, pressure gradients, and diffusion of gas mixtures in the electrodes. Convective heat and mass transport in the gas flow channel are also modeled. A single-phase version of the model is used to simulate a straight channel section of the anode and cathode flow channels of a complete fuel cell. The model provides a better understanding of the distribution of reactant concentrations, current densities, temperature and water fluxes. Computational results are in good agreement with experimental observations. Results indicate that pronounced temperature gradients exist within fuel cells. The 3-dimensional transport processes are well defined under the collector plates land area, having a significant impact on the current distribution and limiting current density. The 2-phase version of the model determines the cooling channel through a range of current densities. Liquid water saturation is shown to be less than 0.1 inside both the anode and cathode gas diffusion layers. Saturation increases with increasing current density on the anode side, while on the cathode side maximum saturation is reached at an intermediate current density before decreasing. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC (Canada) Victoria Univ., BC (Canada) Available from UMI, 300 North Zeeb Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48106-1346 Canada 2002-07-01 English Thesis/Dissertation Other Information: TH: Thesis (Ph.D.); Full citation and abstract available on the UMI web page. Publication no. AAT NQ68126; PBD: 2002 Medium: X; Size: 181 pages https://doi.org/ ISBN 0-612-68126-2 [] Other: ISBN 0-612-68126-2; TRN: CA0300518 CANM 2008-02-08 20324284