Introduction to Forced Convection in Fuel Cells

To design efficient electrochemical energy systems, engineers must understand how reactants move through fuel cell flow channels and diffusion layers. This text-based course introduces you to the core principles of forced convection and fluid dynamics within fuel cells. You will learn to analyze transport phenomena and evaluate how flow rates affect overall electrochemical performance. By completing this course, you will be able to model and calculate mass transfer coefficients, understand pressure drops in flow fields, and optimize reactant delivery to maximize cell efficiency. The material starts with foundational fluid mechanics and transport equations before applying them to modern fuel cell architectures. What you'll learn: - Understand the governing equations of fluid flow and convective mass transport in fuel cells - Analyze velocity profiles and boundary layers within flow channels - Calculate concentration polarizations and convective mass transfer coefficients - Evaluate the impact of flow field designs on reactant distribution and water management - Practice formulating mass balances for steady-state fuel cell operation This course begins with essential terminology, basic electrochemical concepts, and foundational fluid mechanics before moving into detailed convective transport equations and practical engineering calculations. The material is structured sequentially, ensuring you build a solid theoretical foundation before tackling complex transport problems. This course is designed for engineering students, researchers, and professionals new to electrochemical systems who want a solid, first-principles understanding of mass transport. No advanced background in fuel cell design is required, though a basic familiarity with calculus and general chemistry is helpful. Start reading today to master the transport phenomena driving modern fuel cell technology.