Modeling of Catalyst Layer for PEM Fuel Cell: MATLAB Approach

Authors Susmita Singh1 , Pushan Kumar Dutta2
Affiliations

1Department of Chemistry, Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

2Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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Issue Volume 13, Year 2021, Number 3
Dates Received 10 January 2021; revised manuscript received 17 June 2021; published online 25 June 2021
Citation Susmita Singh, Pushan Kumar Dutta, J. Nano- Electron. Phys. 13 No 3, 03012 (2021)
DOI https://doi.org/10.21272/jnep.13(3).03012
PACS Number(s) 82.47.Gh
Keywords PEM fuel cell, Renewable energy, Catalyst layer, Dynamic model.
Annotation

The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) has become an upcoming fuel cell technology for stationary as well as transportation applications. This work presents modelling of catalyst layer for PEMFC system through MATLAB. Catalyst layer modelling is a multi-variable and multi-objective problem. Modelling of the catalyst layer ranges from zero to three dimensions. The actual structure of the catalyst layer is not being considered by zero-dimensional models. Overall changes in the catalyst layer are depicted by one-dimensional models. Two- and three-dimensional models account for the catalyst layer and the agglomerate. This work presents a dynamic model of the catalyst layer for PEMFC system by using MATLAB that can be used for the development of the catalyst layer for the same. The proposed model includes various operating conditions. The focus of catalyst layer modelling is to go beyond empirically describing the characteristics of the fuel cell and the modelling is done based on certain parameters with direct physical meaning. This model is being used to predict the enhanced performance of the catalyst layer as a function of such measurable characteristics as catalyst intrinsic activity, effective surface area, agglomerate size, improved electrode materials etc. A few simplifying assumptions make the model quite easier in computational demand and therefore compliant to simulate not only the catalyst layer but also the entire cell system. Despite these assumptions, the model reproduces experimental data well. Moreover, it is observed that the proposed dynamic model of the catalyst is very useful in comparison with the chemically synthesized catalysts.

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