Page 163 - Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells

152 Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells
The temperature distribution in the cell is shown in Figure 4.9.

Figure 4.9. Temperature distribution in the cell

It can be seen that the difference in temperature between the heat source
(the cathode) and the heat sink (the cooling channel) cannot exceed 1.5°C for
both regions, which makes us consider the cell to be isothermal.

4.7. Conclusion

Modeling heat transfers in the cell is essential for a detailed analysis of
the performances of a fuel cell. The dependence of mass and charge transfer
phenomena on temperature shows the importance of an evaluation of the
temperature field in the fuel cell core.

The thermal model developed in this chapter allowed us to evaluate a
temperature difference (of about 1.5°C) in an area between two cathodes.
This result is the subject of a recommendation in work by Chupin [CHU 09].
This gradient should not increase as drying (or even deterioration) of the
membrane could cause the fuel cell to stop operating. It is therefore
necessary to provide good thermal management of the fuel cell.