Simulation Analysis of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Using Aspen Plus

Abstract

We present a simulation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system to convert the chemical energy stored in hydrogen into electrical power. The PEMFC model was developed using Aspen Plus and then analyzed to find the electricity generated. In the PEMFC system simulated in this study, hydrogen gas enters the heat exchanger prior to entering the anode to increase its temperature up to 80°C. Around 80% of hydrogen used during electrochemical reactions with the oxygen, which entered from the cathode side. The proton and electron of the hydrogen combine, react with the oxygen provided, and produce water and heat. Based on the analysis, the power generated by the PEMFC system is 0.23 kW with current density of 1 x 10-3 A/m2 and MEA area of 3 x 10-2 m2, and the number of cells in stack is 135 cells.