Modelado unidimensional y tridimensional para la predicción del comportamiento de una celda electrolítica tipo AEM

Abstract

Se desarrollaron dos modelos num´ericos independientes para una monocelda de electr´olisis con membrana de intercambio ani´onico (AEM): un modelo 1D, orienta do a reproducir la respuesta electroqu´ımica global y ajustar par´ametros efectivos no medibles directamente a partir de datos experimentales, y un modelo 3D CFD con geometr´ıa realista. Tras una revisi´on bibliogr´afica se adopt´o como referencia un estudio param´etrico (0–1 M KOH y 50–80 °C). El modelo 1D incorpora efectos microestructurales de la capa catal´ıtica (TPB extendida y regi´on de penetraci´on en la GDL) y permite transferir par´ametros equivalentes al 3D, incorporando fen´omenos electroqu´ımicos que el modelo est´andar del software no contempla. La validez se evalu´o mediante comparaci´on num´erica de curvas de polarizaci´on. Adem´as se analiz´o el modelo 3D, mediante un estudio espacial de magnitudes relevantes. El resultado es una herramienta 3D robusta para interpretar p´erdidas y apoyar decisiones de dise˜no y operaci´on.

Two independent numerical models were developed for an anion exchange mem brane (AEM) water electrolyzer single cell: a 1D model aimed at reproducing the overall electrochemical response and fitting effective parameters that cannot be measured directly from experimental data, and a 3D CFD model with realistic geometry. Following a literature review, a parametric study was adopted as the reference case (0–1 M KOH and 50–80 °C). The 1D model incorporates micros tructural effects of the catalyst layer (extended TPB and the penetration region into the GDL) and enables the transfer of equivalent parameters to the 3D model, thereby incorporating electrochemical phenomena not captured by the software’s standard model. Validity was assessed through numerical comparison of polariza tion curves. In addition, the 3D model was analyzed through a spatial study of relevant variables. The outcome is a robust 3D tool to interpret losses and support design and operating decisions