Luis Carlos Ordoñez

The thermal analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) is crucial for understanding how temperature impacts both electrochemical performance and water management, key aspects of their operation. This study focuses on evaluating the effect of thermal variations and tortuosity on liquid water formation in the cathode and its influence on overall efficiency. The thermal analysis considers the interaction between heat transfer, tortuosity due to porosity, and the presence of liquid water. To solve the governing equations of the system, the open-source software OpenFOAM, based on C++, is used with the Finite Volume Method (FVM). This approach allows for accurate modeling of thermal behavior and mass transport in the PEMFC. The study examines performance through polarization curves at three operational temperatures: 323, 328, and 333 K, combined with tortuosity values of 1.5 and 2.5. These variations help understand how tortuosity affects reactant and product transport, as well as water management and overall cell performance.

The transition to renewable energy is crucial for addressing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from activities like electricity generation and transportation. However, the distribution of energy resources varies geographically and temporally, necessitating measurement and estimation to optimize production. While previous studies have examined renewable resources in isolation or as complementary, this paper uses a scoring system to evaluate renewable energy potential. Focusing on Northern Mexico, the paper assesses solar and wind power resources using data from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional's automatic weather stations. Wind power density (WPD) was calculated from average wind speeds, and solar irradiance data were processed similarly to derive average values. Interpolation of resources availability was conducted using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), normalizing scores based on measured and maximum values. The study area includes Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Chihuahua, and Sonora. Results show that northern Chihuahua and northwest Sonora have the highest WPD and solar irradiance, with central Nuevo León exhibiting the highest average irradiance. Overall, Chihuahua and Sonora scored highest in energy resource availability. This evaluation provides a valuable basis for policymakers and companies considering renewable energy projects in these regions.