Computational modeling and optimization of a PEM fuel cell

• Grant number: 18/14281-5
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Cooperation agreement: BG E&P Brasil (Shell Group)
• Principal Investigator: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Grantee: Vitor Olavo Tonaco Alexandre
• Home Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation, AP.PCPE

Abstract

This project of scientific initiation aims to improve the efficiency of a new energy source that has earned a lot of attention, the fuel cell, by finding the best structural geometry, using for this the objective numerical methods. These improvements have their importance in the fact that fuel cells still are not as competitive as other energy sources, such as batteries and combustion engines. The work presented here will count with the aid of the Fluid Dynamic Area NDF/EPUSP, which will provide the required computational resources for the project, and the researchers of the Centre of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen at IPEN that will grant the possibility of validating the numerical data obtained by comparing with experimental data.