Thesis/Research project: Electrochemical modeling of a PEMFC stack to investigate cracks in the GDL

Call for applications for the field of study, such as: Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybernetics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechatronics, Physics, Control Engineering, Software Design, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Technology Management, Surveying Engineering / Geodesy, Industrial Engineering and Management. Enrolled student in a technical or natural science program, beside the study programs above it may also include e.g. Renewable Energies, Computer Science, Chemistry or similar.

The integration of hydrogen into further industrial processes and the energy sector is considered one of the key strategies for decarbonization and the comprehensive reduction of greenhouse gases. However, the establishment of hydrogen technologies, particularly fuel cells in the energy market, is lagging behind expectations. Several factors contribute to this, including volatile legal frameworks and high product costs. A precise definition of manufacturing tolerances for quality-critical product parameters to define Good and Bad parts is a tool for optimizing manufacturing processes as well as product quality and reducing costs. Thus, tolerance analysis and the definition of tolerances is required to support the establishment of fuel cells in the market.

Be part of change

In this student project you will develop a PEM fuel cell stack model which can simulate with cracks in gas diffusion layers (GDLs). With the developed model, the influence of cracks on the performance on the fuel cell can be simulated and thereby allows for tolerance analysis.

Literature review on relevant topics for the research work

Familiarization with an existing fuel cell stack model

Enhancement of the stack model, especially regarding geometry, fluid flow and electrochemistry

Identification of simplifications for the fluid flow and implementation into the model

Building a mesh capable of meshing cracks in the anode-GDL

Systematic evaluation and interpretation of simulation data