Transactions of the Korean Society of Machine Tool Engineers (한국공작기계학회논문집)

The Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers (한국생산제조학회)
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A Study on the Performance Analysis and Design of Cathode in Fuel Cells

연료전지 전극(Cathode)의 성능해석 및 설계에 관한 연구

  • 김홍건 (전주대학교 기계자동차공학과) ;
  • 강성수 (전주대학교 기계자동차공학과) ;
  • 송하영 (전주대학교 대학원 기계공학과) ;
  • 강영우 (전주대학교 대학원 기계공학과) ;
  • 곽이구 (전주대학교 기계자동차공학과)
  • Published : 2007.02.15
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Abstract

The cathode design is one of the most important parts in order to enhance the performance of fuel cells. A 3-D model of the porous oxygen reducing cathode with perforated current collectors is analysed for the enhanced design in fuel cells. Simulation is performed using equations of electric potential balance, momentum balance, and mass balance. The gas concentrations are quite large and are significantly affected by the reactions that take place. The weight fraction of oxygen, velocity field for the gas phase, and local overvoltage are illustrated in the porous reactive cathode layer. The current density is also analysed and the result shows the distribution and variation are stated in a wide range. It is found that the rate of reaction and the current production is higher beneath the orifice, and decreases as the distance to the gas inlet increases. The significance of the results is discussed in the viewpoint of the mass transportation phenomena, which is inferred that the mass transport of reactants dictates the efficiency of the electrode in this design and at these conditions.

Keywords

References

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