A two-dimensional model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack is developed. Taking advantage of the geometrical periodicity of the stack, the model is used to predict the detailed thermal and electrochemical characteristics of the fuel cell. Using recently reported as well as new experimental results, the electrical and thermal contact resistances and modifications in the gas diffusion layer transport properties that develop within the stack in response to changes in the compressive force used to assemble the stack are accounted for. The fuel cell stack performance, reported in terms of its power output and internal temperature distributions, is very sensitive to the compressive load.
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