Mathematical Modelling of Fuel Cells
P. Berg (Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada)
Fuel cells are expected to form a cornerstone of future energy systems. They provide an abundance of technological and scientific problems, ranging from material science over device modeling at various scales to optimizing coupled networks. The research field is inter-disciplinary and progress is only achieved through collaboration of chemists, physicists, engineers, mathematicians and industry. Over the last decade, mathematical modeling of fuel cells has gained in importance since it can provide a tool to analyze experimental data, improve design, optimize transport processes and, therefore, reduce costs and increase reliability. In particular, simulations are used to study phenomena which are not accessible by (in situ) experiments. Owing to the complexity of these devices, a wide range of mathematical techniques and approaches are applied, such as 1D, 2D and 3D models, one-phase and two-phase models, homogenization, steady-state and transient models, in-house and commercial CFD codes, macroscopic and microscopic models, multi-component gas flow and Fickian diffusion, classical fluid mechanics and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, and asymptotic models. This mini symposium will feature four talks about different modelling aspects: 1) full 3-D simulation of a Rolls Royce solid oxide fuel cell stack, 2) simplified models for fuel cell stacks, 3) two-phase model of a PEM fuel cell catalyst layer, 4) two-phase model of a gas diffusion layer. It will provide an insight into how mathematics can be applied in many ways to help the industry improve this crucial technology.