SIMULATIONS OF PEFC CATHODES - AN EFFECTIVENESS FACTOR APPROACH

The key parameters describing the operation mechanism of an active lay er of PEFC cathodes were discussed. The macrohomogeneous and the agglo merate model were applied to different kinds of oxygen cathodes. From the simulations, it appears that gas pores must exist, even within rea l active layers thinner than 10 mu m. The more appropriate model is th e agglomerate model. An effectiveness factor approach allowed determin ation of the main factors limiting the oxygen cathode performance. Act ual solutions for further improvements of the catalyst utilization wer e derived from simulations.