EchemFEM: A Firedrake-based Python package for electrochemical transport

Abstract

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy has brought about a rapid increase in the availability of clean electricity. However, electricity generated from sources such as wind and solar are limited to intermittent operation due to daily and seasonal variation. One solution is to utilize electrochemical devices in energy storage and electrochemical manufacturing applications, where they can harness surplus energy and decarbonize chemical industries traditionally reliant on petrochemical feedstocks. Managing the growing prevalence of renewable energy underscores the importance of developing and scaling up these technologies, which can in turn facilitate the achievement of carbon emission reduction commitments of companies and developed economies. Likewise, the electrification of transport creates an increasing need for energy-dense electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. Naturally, simulation tools are required to assist in the design of efficient and industrial-scale electrochemical devices.