A comprehensive overpotential analysis of high‐power density fuel cell: channel/rid width design

Abstract

Summary Reducing the channel/rib width is a possible approach to improve the performance of fuel cells. However, few experiments were conducted to verify this claim, especially for channel/rib width of below 0.4 mm. In this study, we conducted quantitative analysis to investigate the influence of channel/rib geometries on the performance of fuel cells through experiments and model simulations. As the channel/rib width reduced from 1.0 to 0.2 mm, the fuel cell power density increased by 31% under high humidity condition. The influence of channel/rib width on overpotentials has also been revealed. Notably, narrow channels/ribs can lead to a significant reduction in mass transfer loss under high current density. Three‐dimensional simulation results suggest that the reduction of channel/rib width improves the uniformity of gas and water distribution under channels and ribs by 95%. This research provides a concrete foundation for the design of bipolar plates with high‐density flow channels for high‐power density fuel cells.

Polarization Decomposing of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Considering Liquid Water Accumulation

“…Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are being developed to increase output power as the use of hydrogen energy in stationary and mobile applications accelerates. [1][2][3][4][5] For instance, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in Japan points out that, the target of automotive fuel cell power density is 6.0 kW L −1 and 9.0 kW L −1 in 2030 and 2040, respectively. [6][7][8] As a result of the high current density that fuel cells in these power systems operate at and the amount of liquid water that collects there, the effects of this water on cell voltage cannot be disregarded.…”