Reduced two-phase model for analysis of the anode of a DMFC

Erik Birgersson, Joakim Nordlund, Michael Vynnycky, Cyril Picard, Göran Lindbergh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

An isothermal two-phase ternary mixture model that takes into account conservation of momentum, mass, and species in the anode of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is presented and analyzed. The slendemess of the anode allows a considerable reduction of the mathematical formulation, without sacrificing the essential physics. The reduced model is then verified and validated against data obtained from an experimental DMFC outfitted with a transparent end plate. Good agreement is achieved. The effect of mass-transfer resistances in the flow field and porous backing are highlighted. The presence of a gas phase is shown to improve the mass transfer of methanol at higher temperatures (>30°C). It is also found that at a temperature of around 30°C, a one-phase model predicts the same current density distribution as a more sophisticated two-phase model. Analysis of the results from the two-phase model, in combination with the experiments, results in a suggestion for an optimal flow field for the liquid-fed DMFC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)A2157-A2172
JournalJournal of the Electrochemical Society
Volume151
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

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