A Simulation Framework for Electrochemical Processes with Electrolyte Flow

Software tools for simulating electrochemical processes (e.g. COMSOL Multiphysics, ELSYCA) are mostly of commercial type. Besides, three-dimensional simulations in complex cell geometries known to become resource-expensive, as typically thin concentration boundary layers need be resolved. This work presents a simulation framework based on the open source platform OpenFOAM. The finite volume method used and combined with domain decomposition is able efficiently benefit from multi-core computer architectures. Our takes into account electrolyte flow, which well affect mass transfer, allows consider multi-species electrolytes forcing electrolyte. stability fast convergence presented found rely linearization Butler-Volmer condition iterative solver. validated against an analytical solution valid simplified conditions electrodeposition process at conically shaped electrode external magnetic field. latter exhibits transient departure layer cathode, excellent agreement results found.