AML:FC

AML:FC

Comparison with other tools

There are many tools available on the market that claim to be able to model fuel cell systems.

The table below shows what we think are the most important requirements, and how the gPROMS – AML:FC solution stacks up against other products. You can also read more about the advantages of gPROMS here.

Note that the statements in the table below represent PSE's opinion and are correct to the best of our knowledge. However they should not be taken at face value and you are urged to perform your own analysis.

	Feature	gPROMS	CFD packages - typical capability	Flowsheet simulators - typical capability
A	MEA modelling and analysis Description of the fundamental electrochemistry, molecular diffusion and reaction phenomena occurring in the Membrane Electrode Assembly
1	A high fidelity micro-scale model of the composite anode-electrolyte-cathode material	Yes	Yes	Not suitable
2	Calculation of voltage losses due to resistance to ion transport through the electrolyte activation over-potential losses at the anode and cathode interfaces electronic leakage across electrolyte ohmic losses in the anode and cathode diffusive layers and at the current collectors	Yes with diffusion limitations handled by the most accurate implementation of Maxwell-Stefan multi-component diffusion	Yes
3	Calculation of temperature and concentration profiles across the MEA with internal reforming in the anode if appropriate	Yes	Yes
4	Model-based data analysis to determine empirical model parameters using VI curves	Yes	No

B	Stack modelling and analysis A description of the MEA coupled with a model of fluid flow through the stack
1	Use of formally validated MEA model (from A)	Yes	No	Not suitable
2	Detailed description of fluid flow through fuel and air channels	Yes with hybrid gPROMS/Fluent solution	Yes
3	High fidelity multiple layer/cell stack model	Hybrid gPROMS/Fluent solution capability for full stack simulation	Small number of layers only
4	Capability to predict and analyse steady-state stack performance	Yes	Yes
5	Dynamic capability to predict and analyse transient stack performance	Yes	No
6	Use of formal optimization techniques to optimize stack design parameters	Yes	No

C	System modelling and analysis Characterisation of the complete fuel cell system (including stack, reactors, heat exchange, compressors)
1	High accuracy stack model including validated MEA model (from A and B)	Yes	Not applicable	No
2	Availability of model library for ancillary equipment items	Yes		Yes
3	Modelling of inter-unit radiation and convective heat integration (including hot box)	Yes		No
4	Graphical model construction	Yes		Yes
5	Steady-state simulation for system design and assessment	Yes		Yes
6	Dynamic assessment of system behaviour for full system start-up, load change and shut down	Yes		No
7	Control system design and verification facilities	Yes – either within gPROMS or via a link to Simulink®		No
8	Export of linearised models for control scheme analysis and design	Yes		No