A radical change in modelling fuel cells
PEMFCs are complex non-linear systems. New diagnostic tools are needed to improve their durability and efficiency and to decrease cost and required development time. With EU funding, the PUMA MIND (Physical bottom up multiscale modelling for automotive PEMFC innovative performance and durability optimization) project derived powerful mathematical models to support the design and improvement of such tools. To develop models and tools, project partners first looked into the lack of understanding of the cell operation as a multiscale system from material to system level. As a result, they enhanced their knowledge of the multiscale system interplay and its impact on PEMFC performance and durability. Specifically, this set of simulation tools provides a better awareness of the relationship between mechanisms at different scales regarding the working catalyst, electrochemistry, transport mechanisms, and their relative impact on overall cell behaviour in real automotive application conditions. Researchers developed robust, dynamic mathematical models to be used for command and control purposes while offering predictive capabilities. Most of the models were tested during experiments in order to ensure the applicability of commercially attainable components and catalysts. The most suitable catalysts for membrane electrode assembly manufacturing technology were used for the experimentation. PUMA MIND innovations are expected to reduce the number of experiments and therefore the cost currently needed to create classical empirical models with limited prediction capabilities. They will enable a better targeting of experimental characterisations in representative conditions of end-user applications. They will also lead to new operation strategies that reduce performance degradation and strategies to improve stability of the materials and components. The knowledge gained in PEMFCs during PUMA MIND should contribute to placing Europe at the forefront of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies worldwide.
Keywords
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, PUMA MIND, multiscale modelling