Performance and configuration optimization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell considering dual symmetric Tesla valve flow field

Abstract

Aiming at the advantages of Tesla valve channel (TVC), such as low resistance and smooth flow, a new bionic-like channel structure with dual symmetric (DS) TVC as cathode is proposed. Firstly, through a series of structural parameters optimization, including experimental verification of the model, the arrangement of modules in the channel, the internal angle and the number of modules, the best design parameters are obtained. Secondly, the mass spatial distribution characteristics of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with large-scale dual symmetric Tesla valve flow field (DSTVFF) are investigated. Finally, the DSTVFF structure is improved by baffles with a front inclination angle of 30° to reduce the contact area of the ridge. The simulation results indicate that the pressure drop of the fourth DSTVC is small and the oxygen concentration distribution is uniform. The increase of the inner angle promotes the convection effect, and the power density at the angle of 30° is 17.6 % higher than that at the angle of 15°. Reasonable number of modules can increase the activation area of catalyst layer (CL) and enhance the output performance of fuel cell (FC).