Abstract: Water management is a key technology of polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). A one-dimensional, steady-state water management model for PEMFC is establish- ed including the overall parts of channels, gas diff- usion layers and membrane. And the pseudo-homogeneous mo- del of catalyst layer of cathode is also described. The polarizati-on curve of simulation is very close to the test. Based on the mathematical model, the effects of operating conditions include- ing gas flow rate, operating temperature, pressure, humidified temperature and relative humidity of inlet are analyzed. This model also provides a good base for the simulation, optimizati- on and control of the overall fuel cell engine system.

Key words: Fuel cell, Model, PEM, Water management