Comparison of Numerical and Experimental Studies for Flow-Field Optimization Based on Under-Rib Convection in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Nguyen Vinh,Hyung-Man Kim

doi:10.3390/en9100844

Abstract

The flow-field design based on under-rib convection plays an important role in enhancing the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) because it ensures the uniform distribution of the reacting gas and the facilitation of water. This research focused on developing suitable configurations of the anode and cathode bipolar plates to enhance the fuel cell performance based on under-rib convection. The work here evaluated the effects of flow-field designs, including a serpentine flow field with sub channel and by pass and a conventional serpentine flow-field on single-cell performance. Both the experiment and computer simulation indicated that the serpentine flow field with sub channel and by pass (SFFSB) configuration enables more effective utilization of the electrocatalysts since it improves reactant transformation rate from the channel to the catalyst layer, thereby dramatically improving the fuel cell performance. The simulation and experimental results indicated that the power densities are increased by up to 16.74% and 18.21%, respectively, when applying suitable flow-field configurations to the anode and cathode bipolar plates. The findings in this are the foundation for enhancing efficient PEMFCs based on flow field design.

Highlights

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered one of the best technologies for mitigating problems pertaining to energy depletion and environmental pollution due to their high efficiency and low exhaust emission
Were used at the anode and cathode, respectively, and the constant stoichiometry ratios of supply gases were controlled; and (d) configuration IV, in which a conventional serpentine flow field (CSFF) and an SFFSB were used at the anode and cathode, respectively, and the constant mass flow rates were controlled
The local temperature depends on the electrochemical reaction rate, and this rate is usually governed by the reactant concentration, which varies along the channel

Summary

Introduction

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered one of the best technologies for mitigating problems pertaining to energy depletion and environmental pollution due to their high efficiency and low exhaust emission. PEMFCs possess many advantages in energy applications due to their ability to self-start at low temperatures and high power density and because they only produce water as a by-product [1,2]. PEMFCs use a proton-conductive membrane at the center as an electrolyte. This membrane is impermeable to gases, conducts only positively charged ions, and blocks electrons. As noted in many studies, low power density is the main problem with fuel cells in comparison with traditional power sources [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion