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
(ky) 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 (kx) 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:
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.