**List of symbols**


CSTR). In **Figure 14**, at low stoichiometric value, a depletion of reactants can be observed close to the outlet, thus generating a cathodic overpotential increase and a dramatically current density decrease in this part. It is interesting to note that water molar fraction increases at the cathode side in connection to the electroosmotic drag of water, from anode to cathode, and the insufficient "back-diffusion" from the cathode to anode. Water transport and production at the cathode result in increasing water content at the cathode side along the gas channel while it decreases at the

*Simulation of local oxygen (*■*) and water () molar fraction distribution along the channel (rO2 = 2.2 for dry*

*Simulation of local current density distribution along the channel (rO2 = 2.2 for dry conditions at T = 60°C with*

This study has drawn attention to the relative advantages of using a CSTR description. Moreover liquid water phase only exists at the cathode side, thus leading to the polymer drying out at the anode and consequently increasing ohmic resistance. In the future, it will be important to include the flooding or partial

flooding effects that were not taken into account in this study.

anode side.

**96**

**Figure 14.**

*conditions at T = 60°C with |ηc| = 0.55 V).*

**Figure 13.**

*|ηc| = 0.55 V).*

*Thermodynamics and Energy Engineering*


