.FCSys.Regions.AnFPs.AnFP

Information

This model represents the anode flow plate of a PEMFC. The x axis extends from the anode to the cathode. Fluid is considered to travel in the y direction, with the associated length factor (k_y) greater than one (by default) to represent a serpentine channel. The model is bidirectional, meaning that either yNegative or yPositive can be used as the inlet. By default, the cross-sectional area in the yz plane is 50 cm².

The solid and the fluid phases are assumed to exist in the same subregions, even though a typical flow plate is impermeable to the fluid (except for the channel). In theory, it is possible to discretize the flow plate into smaller subregions for the bulk solid, lands, and valleys. However, this would significantly increase the mathematical size of the model. Currently, that level of detail is best left to computational fluid dynamics.

The x component of the transport factor (k_x) for the gas and the liquid should generally be less than one because the transport distance into/out of the GDL is less that half the thickness of the flow plate. It is equal to the product of two ratios:

1. the depth of the channels to the thickness of the flow plate
2. the product of the total area of the flow plate in the yz plane (land + valleys) and the fraction of the total volume available for the fluid (ε) to the area of the valleys in the yz plane

See Species.'C+'.Graphite.Fixed regarding the default specific heat capacity. The default thermal resistivity of the carbon (θ = U.m*U.K/(95*U.W)) and the electrical conductivity (σ = U.S/(1.470e-3*U.cm)) are that of Entegris/Poco Graphite AXF-5Q [Entegris2012]. There is additional data in the text layer of this model.

For more information, please see the Region model.