Design of a novel Low-Temperature Polymer electrolyte Membrane fuel Cell: 3D modelling and experimental verification

Abstract

The termination of fossil fuel usage and the associated environmental pollution poses critical challenges to human society. Fuel Cells (FCs) offer a promising solution due to their high efficiency, leading to reduced consumption of fossil fuels and lower environmental impact. Among various types, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane FCs (PEM-FCs) are particularly advantageous for transportation industries due to their solid membrane, high energy density, fast operation, system stability, efficiency, and minimal pollutant dispersion. The flow channels in PEM-FCs play a crucial role in their performance and efficiency, affecting parameters like cost, weight, and overall performance. Therefore, this research aims to explore the effect of flow channels on PEM-FCs' efficiency and performance using experimental and numerical methods. After analyzing various channel designs, the study suggests utilizing the Symmetric Spiral Channels (SSCs) for further investigation and fabrication. An SSC was fabricated and integrated into a mono-cell, and its performance was studied concerning relative moisture and temperature. Additionally, a 3D model of the FC was designed and validated, enabling the analysis of properties and thermos-physical quantities in different parts of the PEM-FC. The results revealed that while the polarization curve of the SSC may not differ significantly from the simple spiral channel, the FC's overall efficiency improves when considering the output power after accounting for parasitic drop power. This power is consumed for fuel and oxidant pumping. The SSC helps reduce the pressure difference within the PEM-FC, leading to enhanced efficiency. Furthermore, the proposed structure exhibits a temperature difference of less than 10 K, indicating an extended membrane life cycle. These findings highlight the potential benefits of using SSCs in PEM-FCs to enhance their performance and efficiency, contributing to the advancement of cleaner energy solutions for a sustainable future.