Title: A model for a crack or a delaminated region in a PEM fuel cell anode: analytical solutions
Abstract: We develop a model for the potential and current density distributions in and around a long, straight and inactive ("dead") gap inside a PEM fuel cell anode. Physically speaking, such gaps represent cracked or delaminated domains in an anode catalyst layer. The dead region is modeled as a step function for the anode exchange current density. An analytical solution to the model equations is derived; the solution exhibits a large peak of the anode current density japeak just outside the gap. For a typical cell current density of 1 A cm−2, a gap with a width of 400 μm induces japeak of about 4 A cm−2. For smaller gap widths on the order of 10 μm, which is typical for cracks, the effect is marginal. Variations in membrane thickness have a minor effect on japeak.
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 7
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