Fuel Cell & Electrolyzers in COMSOL Multiphysics®

Intensive introduction to simulating fuel cells and electrolyzers in COMSOL Multiphysics^®

If you want to learn how to model Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers in COMSOL Multiphysics®, this is the course for you. During the online 4-day training course, we will introduce you to the electrochemistry modeling functionality in COMSOL® and the Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Module.

To teach this course, we will use a combination of instructor-guided hands-on exercises as well as theoretical and practical lectures. We will describe in detail the fundamentals required to model energy conversion systems, including porous electrodes, Butler-Volmer kinetics, ohmic losses, and gas diffusion. Through exercises, we will investigate the role of each of these components on the devices and how they contribute to the power losses found in polarization curves. We will also discuss intermediate and advanced modeling topics in Fuel Cells, including the coupling of convection in flow channels and Navier-Stokes vs. Darcy's Law, non-isothermal systems, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and you will see how these can be used in simulations and their influence on cell performance. Finally, the impact of non-ionic transport in the electrolyte, such as gas crossover and electro-osmosis, and multiphase flow will be examined. We will also briefly explore the Concentrated Electrolyte Transport interface and how it can be applied to Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers, such as in concentrated liquid alkaline electrolyzers.

Schedule

Day 1

11 a.m.–1 p.m. EST

The first day will provide an overview of fuel cells and electrolyzers, covering fundamental concepts as well as electroanalytical techniques. It is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of features in the Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Module.

The following topics will be covered:

• Introduction to Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
• Polarization Curves and Electroanalytical Techniques
• Charge Conservation
• Butler-Volmer Kinetics

Exercises:

• Chlor-Alkali Electrolyzer

2 p.m.–4 p.m. EST

• Gas Diffusion
• Porous Electrodes

Exercises:

• 1D Fuel Cell Model
• Parameter Estimation
• Power Loss Analysis

Day 2

11 a.m.–1 p.m. EST

The second day will progress to intermediate modeling topics, primarily focused on coupling the fuel cell and electrolyzer interfaces to other physics interfaces, such as fluid flow and heat transfer.

The following topics will be covered:

• Fluid Flow and Convections

Exercises:

• Fuel Cell Cathode
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

2 p.m.–4 p.m. EST

• Heat Transfer
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Exercises:

• Non-Isothermal Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in a Fuel Cell

Day 3

Work on exercises (no class)

Day 4

11 a.m.–1 p.m. EST

The final day will showcase advanced modeling topics in fuel cells and electrolyzers.

The following topics will be covered:

• Transport Through Membranes and Gas Crossover
• Concentrated Electrolyte Transport

2 p.m.–4 p.m. EST

• Multiphase Flow
• Fuel Cell Stacks
• Meshing Considerations

Exercises:

• Multiphase Flow in an Alkaline Electrolyzer
• Fuel Cell Cathode with Liquid Water
• Cooling of a Fuel Cell Stack

Suggested Background

This course assumes familiarity with the fundamentals of Electrolyzers and Fuell Cells. We strongly recommend that those new to COMSOL Multiphysics^® take the Intro to COMSOL Multiphysics^® course prior to attending this class.

Pricing & Payment Methods

The price for this online training course is $995 per person.

We offer an academic discount to those who qualify. The academic rate for this course is $495.

We accept payment by credit card, company purchase order, check, wire, or direct deposit. For security purposes, please do not send credit card information via email.

This training course will be recorded, and the recording will be made available to all paid registrants.

Mail payments or purchase orders to:

COMSOL, Inc.
100 District Avenue
Burlington, MA 01803

Email purchase orders to: course@comsol.com