See How Multiphysics Simulation Is Used in Research and Development

Engineers, researchers, and scientists across industries use multiphysics simulation to research and develop innovative product designs and processes. Find inspiration in technical papers and presentations they have presented at the COMSOL Conference. Browse the selection below or use the Quick Search tool to find a specific presentation or filter by application area.


View the COMSOL Conference 2023 Collection

Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Electrochemical Processesx

Mathematical Formulation of a PEM Fuel Cell Model

E. Robalinho [1], E. F. Cunha [2], M. Linardi [2], E. I. Santiago [2],
[1] Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; and Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - IFRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
[2] Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

The idea of a friendly implementation of a mathematical formulation using specialist software was performed with the support of COMSOL Multiphysics® software with Chemical Reaction Engineering and Batteries & Fuel Cell Modules. The real problem of a Proton Exchange Membrane – PEM ... Read More

Modelagem dos Processos de Descarga em Eletrodos de Baterias de Chumbo-Ácido

P. R. Impinnisi [1], L. F. Siqueira [1],
[1] Instituto Lactec, Curitiba, PR, Brasil

Foi desenvolvido um modelo 3D para simular descargas de eletrodos de baterias de chumbo-ácido. O modelo inclui a formação de filmes isolantes de sulfato de chumbo durante a descarga e permite visualizar a analisar a evolução da distribuição de linhas de corrente, os efeitos de bordas, os ... Read More

Modelling of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

J.-F. Drillet [1],
[1] DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut, Frankfurt, Germany

This work aims at the modelling of a 5 cm^2 Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) with mixed serial/parallel serpentine flow fields in terms of current/voltage behaviour. The geometrical design of the single cell is presented in figure 1. The function principle as well as the electrochemical ... Read More

Simulation of Nanopores in Capacitive Energy Extraction Based on Double Layer Expansion (CDLE)

E. Ruiz-Reina [1], F. Carrique [2], A.V. Delgado [3], M.M. Fernández [3],
[1] Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
[2] Department of Applied Physics I, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
[3] Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

Capacitive energy extraction based on double layer expansion (CDLE) is a new method devised for extracting energy from the exchange of fresh and salty water in porous electrodes. First suggested by D. Brogioli, it is enclosed in a group of emergent technologies jointly known as Capmix ... Read More

Towards a Microscopic Model for Species Transport in Lithium-Sulphur Cells

Geraint Minton [1], Rajlakshmi Purkayastha [1], Laura O’Neill [1], Sylwia Walus [1], Mark Wild [1], Monica Marinescu [2], Teng Zhang [2], Gregory Offer [2],
[1] Oxis Energy Ltd, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK
[2] Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College, London, UK

Lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries have the potential to surpass the energy storage capability of Li-ion batteries due to their high theoretical gravimetric energy density of 2700 Wh/kg. However, the processes which drive the system behaviour are much more complex than those in a Li-ion ... Read More

Studying PEM Fuel Cells using Equation Based Simulation

J. Blackburn [1], N. McCartney [1],
[1] National Physical Laboratory, London, UK

We present computer simulation results for PEM fuel cells using COMSOL Multiphysics® software. We have developed novel PDE equations at NPL from first principles and these are more realistic than models typically used in literature. The theory includes Maxwell-Stephan and Nernst-Planck ... Read More

Electrical Modeling of Molten Salt Electro-Refining Processes

A. OURY [1], P. Namy [1],
[1] SIMTEC, Grenoble, France

A common pyrometallurgical route for the recovery of numerous metals and rare earths is high-temperature molten salt electrolysis. This process involves an electrolyte made of a molten salt in which the metal to be recovered, most commonly present in its oxide form, is dissolved. When a ... Read More

Two-dimensional Model of a Lithium Iron-Phosphate Single Particle

M. Cugnet [1][2],
[1] Université Grenoble Alpes INES, Le Bourget du Lac, France
[2] CEA, LITEN, Grenoble, France

Introduction: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as power sources for portable electronic devices (laptop, phones, and players) and electric cars due to their high energy density. New applications, such as Formula E, require also a huge power capability that the iron-phosphate-based ... Read More

Three-dimensional Model of a New Thin-plate Lead-Acid Battery

J. Lannelongue [1][2][3], M. Cugnet [1][2], A. Kirchev [1][2],
[1] Université Grenoble Alpes INES, Le Bourget du Lac, France
[2] CEA, LITEN, Grenoble, France
[3]ADEME, France

Introduction: The drawbacks of most commercial “advanced battery” solutions are high price, danger, and low recyclability. The most cost efficient, environmental-friendly, and safest solutions so far is based on lead-acid electrochemistry, a proven technology for more than 150 years. Key ... Read More

Study of Electrochemically Generated Two-Phase Flows

J. Schillings [1], O. Doche [2], J. Deseure [1],
[1] LEPMI, Grenoble, France
[2] SIMAP, Grenoble, France

The dependency of electrochemical processes performances on mass transfer is well-known. Electrolyte flow in the vicinity of electrodes surface can enhance reactions due to increased mass transfer. This flow can be generated by the production of a gaseous phase, leading to a natural ... Read More