Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, which is one of methods of hydrogen production with the most potential, has attracted more attention due to its energy conversion and storage potential. In this paper, a steady state, three-dimensional mathematical model coupled with the electrochemical and mass transfer physical fields for a PEM water electrolyzer was established. The influence of the different operation parameters on the cell performance was discussed. Moreover, the different patterns of the flow field, such as parallel, serpentine, multi-serpentine, and interdigitate flow fields, were simulated to reveal their influence on the mass transfer and current distribution and how they consequently affected the cell performance. The results of the numerical modeling were in good agreement with the experimental data. The results demonstrated that a higher temperature led to a better mass transfer, current distribution, and cell performance. By comparing the polarization curve, current, velocity, and pressure distribution, the results also indicated that the PEM water electrolyzer with a parallel flow field had the best performance. The results in this study can help in optimizing the design of PEM water electrolyzers.
Keywords: PEM water electrolysis; electrochemical performance; flow field patterns; mass transfer; three-dimensional model.