A fast physics-based matrix model for the impedance of a PEM fuel cell: Incorporating functionally graded catalyst layer and channel impedances

Abstract

We extend a recent physics-based matrix model for calculating PEM fuel cell impedance (doi:10.1149/2754-2734/ad6ce8) to cases of low air flow stoichiometry and functionally graded cathode catalyst layers (CCLs). We demonstrate that the matrix model produces accurate spectra and is almost three orders of magnitude faster than a model based on the standard boundary-value problem solver. The physics-based matrix model can compete with equivalent circuit models for fitting experimental EIS spectra, particularly those measured from cells with functionally graded CCL.