Numerical Simulation on Magnetic Field Distribution of A Three-cells PEMFC Stack

As an environmentally friendly energy conversion device, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is confronted with the challenges of durability and reliability. Recently, some studies have shown that magnetic field of PEMFC stack has the potential for non-destructive performance detection, ensuring its reliability and durability. Nevertheless, these studies focus on experimental analysis and lack a theoretical basis with simulation analysis. In this paper, a three-dimensional, multi-component, multi-physical field PEMFC stack model is established for the purpose of studying the magnetic field distribution inside the stack. The reliability of model results is verified by experimental data, then the correspondence among the excited magnetic field and its reactants and current density is illustrated. By simulating different faulty states of PEMFC stack, we investigate the corresponding relationship between the change of magnetic field amplitude and internal state of PEMFC stack. This allows us to reveal the performance drop mechanism of PEMFC stack and to provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent detection and diagnosis of PEMFC stack using its magnetic field.