Design and Simulation for Fuel Cell Cathode Air Filter

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells experience performance degradation, such as reduction in efficiency and life, as a result of poisoning of platinum catalysts by airborne contaminants. The best method for addressing fuel cell air contamination is by the inclusion of adsorptive filtration with a cathode air filter. In this paper, simulation for chemical adsorption behavior of air filter has been studied, which is based on Fluent. The adsorption of SO2 was simulated in the air filter, which structure was designed and optimized for a 5kW fuel cell stack system. Not only the distribution of SO2 capacity with time in filter could be shown, but also the durability of filter can be evaluated. Furthermore, the velocity of flow and pressure drop of filter also were simulated. The simulation study for chemical adsorption and hydrodynamics in fuel cell cathode air filter help to optimize air filter to be durable and effective.