Study on the output performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells using print circuit board

Abstract

This paper presents a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) using anode and cathode printed circuit boards (PCBs) to load the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). A three-dimensional CFD-electrochemical model of the PCB-based PEMFC is developed and used to calculate the internal species, charge, and water distribution. The effects of the shape of the inlet opening, the opening ratio and the relative humidity of the air on the output performance of the PEMFC are investigated. To validate the simulation model, the output performance of the PEMFC is tested under the same operating conditions. The results show that circular and rounded rectangular openings show better PEMFC output performance than U-shaped openings, and the output performance of PEMFC is improved as the opening ratio of the inlet openings and the relative humidity of air increase. The results will provide specific reference values for the design of PCB-based planar PEMFC stacks.