Advancing Fuel Cell Technologies Using COMSOL Multiphysics®

Hydrogen, the most abundant element, is key to global decarbonization. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that efficiently convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. In this live webinar, Dr. Harshal Agarwal a scientist at CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), will present his work on translating advanced proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) studies into commercially viable hydrogen energy solutions.

The performance of PEMFCs is strongly influenced by flow field architecture, reactant transport, thermal management, and electrochemical kinetics. In this webinar, Dr. Agarwal will present a framework based on the COMSOL Multiphysics^® software for the design and optimization of PEM fuel cells, encompassing both high-temperature and open-cathode configurations. Three-dimensional multiphysics models are employed to investigate pressure distribution, oxygen transport, convection-driven mass transfer, temperature profiles, and electrochemical reactions across different flow field geometries. These simulation insights are validated through extensive experimental studies, including polarization, pressure-drop, thermal, and electrochemical impedance analyses. The webinar will highlight how COMSOL-guided design enables the identification of optimum channel configurations, improves fuel cell performance, and accelerates the development of efficient and scalable hydrogen energy systems.