Performance evaluation of cathode channels with different cross-sections for open-cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack

Abstract

This study proposes six different cross-sectional cathode flow field designs such as square, trapezoid, dome, boot, pentagon, and triangular constructing four cells open cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack with various parameters optimization and suitability for system level development. Parameters, including pressure drop, oxygen concentration, airflow rate, blower power, stack temperature, cooling rates, net power output, and stability are investigated with focus on understanding the trend, interconnected dependencies among the parameters, which collectively influence the overall performance of the cross-section designs. Overall, studies show that, boot cross-section design possessing the optimum pressure drop of 23.9 Pa, shows better performance compared to other cross-section designs due to better oxygen gas distribution, water retention/removal, heat removal/retention, and net power output. Conversely, for galvanostatic analysis done at a higher current value of 35 A, dome and square cross-section designs show highest and stable potential, along with balanced stack temperature.