Optimization of Channel Dimensions in the Flow-Field for PEMFC

Abstract:

This paper focuses on the improvement of the distribution uniformity and consumption rate of the hydrogen (H2) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells via optimization of the channel dimensions in the flow-field of bipolar plates. Based on the half-cell model for the anode side numerical simulation is carried out with computational fluid dynamics software Fluent. The method of DOE (Design of Experiment) is used in the simulation, and the results show that channel depth is the most influential factor to H2 consumption rate, channel width comes second, and land width has the least influence.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 44-47)
• Pages: 2404-2408
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.44-47.2404
• Online since: December 2010
• Authors: Le Ping Wang, Lian Hong Zhang, Jun Peng Jiang
• Keywords: Bipolar Plate, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Consumption Rate, Design of Experiment (DOE), Flow Field, PEM Fuel Cell

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