Authors : Igal G Rasin, Miles Page, Dario R Dekel, Simon Brandon
The implementation of reduced-cost catalyst materials in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFCs) renders them an attractive alternative to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). An important challenge existing in the development of AEMFCs involves water management, which is especially problematic since in these systems (as compared to PEMFCs) water is produced in the anode and consumed in the cathode. We present a model-based analysis of AEMFC performance with an emphasis on water management. Using this approach it is possible to elucidate the relation between reduced performance and issues of hydration throughout the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). We provide a brief overview of the model, validate our results against published experimental data and present results related to the impact of relative humidity, as well as the depletion of water vapor in the air flow stream, on system performance.
