A hybrid 1D-CFD numerical framework for the thermofluidic assessment and design of PEM fuel cell and electrolysers

Abstract

Given the current maturity of hydrogen technologies, accurate and computationally efficient numerical models are crucial for improving their understanding and development. Traditional models are either computationally prohibitive or lack the capacity to assess the spatial distribution of critical variables. The present paper suggests a hybrid numerical model for Fuel Cells (FCs) and electrolysers, articulating the coupling between a 1D analytical model and a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model via a nonlinear regression. Results present an initial validation of the 1D analytical model and the CFD model, and, once the validation is proven successful, the hybrid model is evaluated with a relatively long and highly varying loading profile that covers a wide range of the potential operational points of a FC. The hybrid model shows promising results, showing fidelity levels similar to CFD models, including the capacity to assess the spatial distribution, and a low computational cost. Hence, this hybrid model is demonstrated to be an attractive tool for the design of FCs and electrolysers, optimisation of thermal management and control strategies, degradation analysis, and techno-economic analysis.