Effect of structure parameters on internal mass transfer and performance of PEMFC with spider-web flow field using multi-physical simulation

Abstract

Optimizing the flow field structure is an important means to enhance gas transport and improve the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance. Based on the structural features of the spider-web, a three-dimensional multiphase flow model of the PEMFC with a spider-web biomimetic flow field (SWFF) was established firstly, and the influence of inlet and outlet positions on the performance of the PEMFC was investigated, then the cathode side catalytic layer (CL) oxygen utilization as an evaluation index based on the cluster model was proposed, which is used to investigate the effect of inlet and outlet positions on internal mass transfer and performance of PEMFC. Finally, the influence of different structural parameters on the performance of PEMFC with SWFF was investigated based on the orthogonal experimental design method. The results show that a reasonable arrangement of inlet and outlet positions can effectively increase the peak current density by 2.31% and reduce the pressure drop by 96.07% compared to a serpentine flow field. The placement of baffles at the intersection of the main channel and divergent channels can significantly improve the PEMFC performance. The results of the research provide a new evaluation index and a theoretical basis for the optimal design of flow field structures.