Modelling of an electrolyte matrix for a phosphoric acid fuel cell

A simple model of an electrolyte matrix for use in a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) has been proposed. It has important features in the vertical direction. Acid absorbency, bubble pressure and current density as a function of porosity and pore-size distribution were calculated. The calculated values were compared with the real values obtained from a matrix made by rolling and tape casting. The tendency of the properties in the model concurred with the real matrix. Predictions were made for the best performance. The results were a porosity of 80%, a composition having 20% of 0.01-0.1 μm pores and 75% of 0.1-1 μm and 5% of 1-10 μm pores, the thickness of the matrix being 100 μm and the particle size 1.5 μm. It is expected that these theoretical results could be helpful in making a real matrix.