Modeling and Validation of Fuel Cell Water Dynamics Using Neutron Imaging

Authors

Jason B. Siegel, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Denise A. McKay, University of Michigan, Ann ArborFollow
Anna G. Stefanopoulou, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-30-2008

Publication Title

Proceedings of the American Control Conference

Abstract

Using neutron imaging, the mass of liquid water within the gas diffusion layer and flow channels of an operating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is measured under a range of operating conditions. Between anode purge events, it is demonstrated that liquid water accumulates and is periodically removed from the anode gas channels; this event is well correlated with the dynamic cell voltage response. The estimation of flooding and cell performance is achieved by a spatially distributed (through-membrane plane), temporally-resolved, and two-phase (liquid and vapor) water model. Neutron imaging techniques have never before been applied to characterize flooding with a dead-ended anode and elucidate important issues in water management as well as provide a means for calibrating and validating a dynamic lumped parameter fuel cell model.

First Page

2573

Last Page

2578

DOI

10.1109/ACC.2008.4586879

ISSN

07431619

Rights

©2008 AACC.

Comments

Archived as published.

Recommended Citation

Siegel, Jason B.; McKay, Denise A.; and Stefanopoulou, Anna G., "Modeling and Validation of Fuel Cell Water Dynamics Using Neutron Imaging" (2008). Engineering: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/egr_facpubs/122