Modelling of temperature distribution in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack

The production of electricity in a fuel cell system is associated with the production of an equivalent amount of thermal energy, both for large size power plants and for transportation applications. The heat released by the cells must be removed by a cooling system, characterized by its small size and weight, which must be able to assure uniform work conditions and reduce performance losses. Based upon realistic assumptions, a mathematical model has been developed to determine the temperature and current density distribution in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell (SPEFC) stack as a function of operating conditions and stack geometry. The model represents a useful tool to identify operating conditions, such as to have an optimal longitudinal and axial temperature profile, so allowing the design of cooling system and bipolar plates. In this paper, the model has been applied to determine the temperature profile of an experimental SPEFC stack. The model is validated by comparing model results with experimental measurements; simulated and experimental results agree satisfactorily.