22. A Modeling and Optimization of the Transport Phenomena of Water in a Fuel Cell H₂/O₂

Electrolysis of alkaline water is an electrochemical process that produces hydrogen and oxygen by oxidation of water at anode and reduction of proton at cathode. These two gases are used as fuel in fuel cells, in particular Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC). Potassium hydroxide solution is used as electrolyte and platinum as catalyst in anode and cathode. The chemical reaction taking place inside the cell, is the recombination of both gases to yield water, electric energy and heat energy. One of the major challenges for the proper functioning of the fuel cell is discharging water and heat that can damage the electrolytic solution. Therefore, it is essential to master the phenomena of mass transfer of water that operates within the fuel cell, and the optimum temperature of the inlet gas, knowing that fuel cells typically operate in isothermal conditions. The modeling of these phenomena and the real-time simulation of the main factors involved in the process can be investigated in order to ensure the good cell efficiency. The influences of current density, moisture and gas initial concentration of potassium, were observed the amount of water produced and evaporated within the cell.