Novel convergent-divergent serpentine flow fields effect on PEM fuel cell performance

Chowdhury, Mohammad Ziauddin; Akansu, Yahya Erkan

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.04.079

Cited by 71 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 38 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The channel geometries of the flow fields are chosen from the optimization study [37][38][39], to minimize the effect from the channel geometries. The same convergent flow field can be a divergent type only if the inlet and outlet are exchanged, i.e., PC1 and PD1 or PC2 and PD2 have the same geometry while having a different flow field The developed mathematical model is validated for the first time with the experimental results reported in our previous experimental study [35]. The validation approach of the mathematical model agrees well with the experimental case study and is described in the previous numerical study [37].…”

Section: Numerical Modelsupporting

confidence: 72%

“…The developed mathematical model is validated for the first time with the experimental results reported in our previous experimental study . The validation approach of the mathematical model agrees well with the experimental case study and is described in the previous numerical study .…”

Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite the staggering number of quality research efforts, limited investigations have been reported for the development of the parallel flow fields through the design modification approach. The concept of the convergent and divergent flow field design was found to be a promising one by the experimental investigation for the serpentine flow field pattern in our previous study , . Therefore, in this study, convergent and divergent parallel flow fields are introduced with the three dimensional isothermal single phase flow numerical model.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Numerical Investigation of Convergent and Divergent Parallel Flow Fields for PEMFCs

Timurkutluk

Chowdhury

2018

Fuel Cells

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In this study, the classical parallel flow field pattern is modified by a convergent and divergent design concept for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The modification is achieved by varying the channel depth with different constant inclination gradients from the inlet to the outlet, along with the bipolar plate width which creates either a convergent or divergent flow field depending on the position of the inlet and outlet selected. The numerical model is solved to predict the cell performance including the mass transport, water vapor concentration and, pressure and current density distribution for the flow fields. The numerical results reveal that the modified convergent parallel flow fields have a better mass transport and water removal characteristics than those in the conventional one, whereas mal‐distribution of species and excessive water concentration occur in the conventional and divergent parallel flow fields. Introducing convergent parallel flow field design concept not only minimizes these issues but the cell power density is also improved by a maximum of 16%, which can show a new window in PEMFC flow field design concept.

show abstract

Section: Numerical Modelsupporting

confidence: 72%

Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Numerical Investigation of Convergent and Divergent Parallel Flow Fields for PEMFCs

Timurkutluk

Chowdhury

2018

Fuel Cells

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the new design which has been investigated by Chowdhury and Akansu, it is represented that converging channel depth provides better cell performance up to 19–27% with better water transport using accelerating reactant flow despite consumed reactant and enhanced reactant partial pressure thanks to converging channel cross-section. 40 Similarly, Chowdhury and Timurkutluk investigated the effect of convergent and divergent channel depths in terms of cell performance, considering reactant concentrations on different layers of the cell and water management issues. 41 As a result of the study, a convergent channel depth serpentine flow field cell yields a better performance by compensating reactant concentration reduction towards the outlet and serving higher excessive water discharge capability.…”

Section: Local Improvements On Fundamental Flow Fieldsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell flow field designs and approaches for performance enhancement

Celik

Karagöz

2019

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A:

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are carbon-free electrochemical energy conversion devices that are appropriate for use as a power source on vehicles and mobile devices emerging with their high energy density, lightweight structure, quick startup and lower operating temperature capabilities. However, they need more developments in the aspects of reactant distribution, less pressure drops, precisely balanced water content and heat management to achieve more reliable and higher overall cell performance. Flow field development is one of the most important fields of study to increase cell performance since it has decisive effects on performance parameters, including bipolar plate, and thus fuel cell weight. In this study, recent developments on conventional flow field designs to eliminate their weaknesses and innovative design approaches and flow field architectures are obtained from patent databases, and both numerical and experimental scientific studies. Fundamental designs that create differences are introduced, and their effects on the performance are discussed with regard to origin, objective, innovation strategy of design besides their strength and probable open development ways. As a result, significant enhancements and design strategies on flow field designs in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are summarized systematically to guide prospective flow field development studies.

show abstract

“…Studding of flow field effect on improving PEMFC performance is a new issue that is taken into consideration by many researchers [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical investigation of dimensions and arrangement of obstacle on the performance of PEM fuel cell

Ebrahimzadeh

Khazaee

Fasihfar

2018

Heliyon

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The fuel cell is an electrochemical energy converter which converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity and heat and has been able to introduce itself as a source of clean power in the world over the past few decades. One of the major technical challenges in the development of PEM fuel cell technology is to achieve high and stable efficiency. One of the key parameters in designing this type of fuel cell is the shape and dimensions of reactors flow field channels on the bipolar plates. In this research, the obstacle is simulated by selecting the obstacle geometry in the channel path, and after choosing the best range (height), the best obstacle width is analyzed to have better performance. The simulation is done for the non-obstacle case and obstacles with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mm heights and 0.9, 1.8, 2.7 and 3.6 mm widths, respectively. The obtained results for PEMFC show that the height of 1.5 mm and the width of 3.6 mm have the highest impact on the fuel cell efficiency regarding species consumption, pressure drop and current density. Once the proper dimensions of the obstacle have been determined, different arrangements of the obstacle and their effect on the fuel cell efficiency are investigated, and the best arrangement is selected.

show abstract

Novel convergent-divergent serpentine flow fields effect on PEM fuel cell performance

Cited by 71 publications

References 38 publications

Numerical Investigation of Convergent and Divergent Parallel Flow Fields for PEMFCs

Numerical Investigation of Convergent and Divergent Parallel Flow Fields for PEMFCs

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell flow field designs and approaches for performance enhancement

Numerical investigation of dimensions and arrangement of obstacle on the performance of PEM fuel cell

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About