Abstract: When a proton exchange fuel cell operates it produces in addition to electrical
energy, heat and water as sub products, which impact on the performance of the cell. This
paper analyzes the issue of transients and proposes a model that describes the dynamic
operation of the fuel cell. The model considers the transients produced by electrochemical
reactions, by flow water and by heat transfer. Two-phase flow transients result in
increased the parasitic power losses and thermal transients may result in flooding or dryout of the GDL and membrane, understanding transient behavior is critical for reliable
and predictable performance from the cell.