Optimal cathode design of a single high temperature PEM fuel cell: a computational study

This study presents a detailed three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a single hightemperature proton exchange membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell, serving as an initial step towards the comprehensive modelling of a complete liquid-cooled fuel cell stack. The modelling framework is built to capture the complex interactions between fluid flow, heat transfer, and electrochemical reactions within the cell. Key aspects such as temperature distribution, pressure drop through channels, differential pressure across the MEA and current density distribution are analysed to understand their impact on cell performance. Results show that the cathode flow-fields design may simultaneously affect the fluid dynamics (pressure drop), MEA structural integrity and electrochemical performance of the cell.