This paper reports on the development and
implementation of a CFD-based simulation tool for
proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks. The
stack simulation is constructed on unit cells in
parallel that have all components resolved and major
transport equations solved in a two-dimensional
configuration. The transport equations considered in
the model are modified from a comprehensive set of
conservation equations (mass, momentum, energy,
species and electrical potential). The stack tool also
incorporates a flow network solution procedure for
all gas and coolant channels to account for flow
sharing of fluids at the stack level. The stack
simulation tool is implemented within framework of
commercial CFD software through its user-defined
subroutines. The solution procedure for the stack tool
computes the electrical potential, flow field,
temperature field and species distribution in a
sequential manner. The solution procedure has an
inner iteration loop for the primary variable and an
outer iteration loop for the boundary conditions. The
inner loop is controlled by the current density profiles
in each unit cell, which is derived from the solution
of electrical potential. The outer iteration loop
updates the fluid inlet velocities by solving a flow
network model. Preliminary tests have shown the
tool’s capabilities and efficiency over other similar
stack simulations reported in the literature based on
reduced dimensional models.