A computational simulation of an alkaline fuel cell

An advanced one-dimensional, isothermal mathematical model for a single cel l of an alkaline fuel cell (AFC) is presented. Advances in an expression fo r the volume average velocity and in correlations and parameters are achiev ed. The parameters and operating conditions of the model are based on the O biter Fuel Cell, which is employed as a power source for NASA space shuttle s. A stimulated result is obtained that shows a close agreement with some o f the experimental data. Profiles of variables, local overpotential and loc al current density are also obtained as a function of cell voltage. An inve stigation of the influence of initial electrolyte concentration shows that the performance of the AFC is maximized at a concentration of 3.5 M. Finall y, it is found that increasing the operating pressure steadily enhances cel l performance. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.