PARAMETER SENSITIVITY AND OPTIMIZATION PREDICTIONS OF A HYDROGEN OXYGEN ALKALINE FUEL-CELL MODEL

A mathematical model is used to predict parameter sensitivities and optimal design parameters for a hydrogen/oxygen alkaline fuel cell. A sensitivity analysis of the various transport and electrode kinetic parameters indicates which parameters have the most influence on the predicted current density and over which range of potentials these parameters affect the fuel-cell performance the most. This information can be used to decide which parameters should be optimized or determined more accurately through further modeling or experimental studies. The effect of various design parameters on the limiting current density are investigated to determine if optimal values exist for the parameters. The optimal electrode thicknesses for the anode and cathode reaction layers and the gas- and liquid-phase porosity in the cathode reaction layer are determined by maximizing the power density. These parameter sensitivities and optimal design parameters can help in the development of better three-phase electrodes and separators for the alkaline fuel cell.