A Numerical Model for the Transport of Reactants in Proton Exchange Fuel Cells

Energy has allowed the development of our society and currently, the hydrogen-powered fuel cell is the most promising energy source of the future since it would help to eliminate serious problems such as climate change and economic inequality. The fuel cell converts the chemical energy of the reactants used into electrical energy and produces water and heat as by-products during its operation. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell is expected to play a key role in the future energy system due to its favourable characteristics and its application in mobile phones, electric vehicles, distributed power systems, submarines and aerospace applications. To optimize the operation of the fuel cell, models have been developed that represent it as a structural, dimensional, thermal and state system, which requires -as a contribution to technological development-, a strategic and systemic vision. The document analyzes the technique of numerical methods, to ensure optimal operation of the Proton exchange membrane fuel cell, addressing non-linearities of electrical behaviour and the imprecision of the physical world.