Technologies and services

SCOPE

Hydrogen production

Maturity Level

Service

Development Level

Simulation

Protection Level

Knowledge register

CFD, thermal and electrochemical simulation of electrolysers and cells  

Entity:

Coupled CFD, thermal and electrochemical simulation performed with Ansys Fluent commercial software of the operation of a single-cell electrolyser or hydrogen fuel cell. The three-dimensional simulation includes all internal layers (membrane, catalysts, MPL, GDL), bipolar plates and electrical collectors. It allows results to be obtained of the electrical, thermal, fluid dynamic and chemical kinetic behaviour, and, therefore, to generate the polarisation curve 

We have experience in fluid dynamic and mechanical simulation of bipolar plates and also in electrochemical simulation of PEM cells, through different collaborations. 

Challenges met

  • It allows a virtual reproduction of the single-cell to be obtained and to predict its fluid dynamic, thermal and chemical behaviour.  
  • It supports the design of electrolysers and fuel cells. 

Scope of application

Industry in general, any industry that can incorporate fuel cells or electrolysers at some point in the process (energy, automotive, construction, etc.) 

Main publications

15th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering, 2023 
https://doi.org/10.48158/MeCCE-15.T5-P-04 

Related projects

  • FormPlate – Innovation in materials, design and manufacture of high-performance and durable PEM fuel cell bipolar plates  
  • Traça GREEN H2 – Sustainable Integration of green-H2 for chemical and energy applications 

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