Multi-objective optimization of channel structure for a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cell

Abstract

The flow field dominates the process of mass transport and distribution inside the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cell (PEMEC). Initially, a three-dimensional and non-isothermal PEMEC channel model was estimated to investigate the impact of channel height and width. Based on these results, a complete PEMEC model with a parallel flow-field pattern was developed, and the channel heights and widths of the model were optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA). Compared to the original model, the optimized model decreased the pressure drop by 34.97% at a lower voltage. In addition, because of the optimized flow-field pattern, the optimized model improves the current density on the proton exchange membrane as well as the gas holdup situation in a partial position in the cathode gas diffusion layer.