Description:
The objective of this course is to give an introduction on Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and approaches to model the various transport processes that occur inside a PEMFC during operation. The modeling focus will be predominantly on employing the methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The goal is to shed physical insight into the importance of the various transport phenomena that occur inside a fuel cell during operation. The following topics shall be covered:
1. Fuel cell thermodynamics, the Nernst equation
2. Loss mechanisms in a PEM Fuel Cell during operation
3. Introduction to fuel cell degradation issues
4. Heat, mass and electrical charge transfer processes inside a fuel cell and CFD modeling thereof
5. Multi-phase flow in porous media and flow channels – an overview of modeling approaches
6. Membrane water transport and modeling approaches

After completion of the course the students should attain state-of-the-art knowledge about current and future research directions in PEM Fuel Cells. Modeling examples will be given using the Aalborg University model developed over the past years. The model is based on the formerly commercial software CFX-4. Students will not be able to run this software on their computers, so there is no need to bring a laptop. Course notes will be handed out.

Organizer:
Associate Professor Torsten Berning, email: tbe@et.aau.dk, Aalborg University

Lecturers:
Associate Professor Torsten Berning, Aalborg University

ECTS:
3

Time:
2-4 September 2013

Place:
Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstræde 101

Zip code:
9220

City:
Aalborg East

Number of seats:
25

Deadline:
19 August 2013

Important information concerning PhD courses
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.