Power Output Optimisation via Arranging Gas Flow Channels for Low-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles

Abstract

As we move away from internal combustion engines to tackle climate change, the importance of hydrogen-powered vehicles and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology has dramatically increased. In the present study, we aimed to determine the optimal configuration for the power output of a PEMFC system using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to analyse variations of the primary serpentine design of gas flow channels. This helps improve efficiency and save on valuable materials used, reducing potential carbon emissions from the production of hydrogen vehicles. Different numbers of serpentine gas channels were represented with various spacing between them, within the defined CFD model, to optimise the gas channel geometry. The results show that the optimum configuration was found to have 11 serpentine channels with a spacing of 3.25 mm. In this optimum configuration, the ratio between the channel width, channel spacing, and serpentine channel length was found to be 1:2.6:38 for PEMFCs. Furthermore, the inclusion of fillets to the bends of the serpentine gas channels was found to have a negative effect on the overall power output of the fuel cell. Moreover, the optimisation procedures with respect to the number of gas channels and the spacing revealed an optimal power density exceeding 0.65 W/cm2.

Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions: Innovations in Clean Energy Applications and Conventional Energy Efficiency Upgrade

“…This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable practices in the recovery of valuable compounds from organic waste, with potential applications in biofuel production and other industries. Chilver-Stainer et al [13] delve into the optimization of gas flow channels in low-temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), crucial for enhancing the power output of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Ai et al [14] focus on improving the operational efficiency of shielding induction motors in nuclear applications, emphasizing the importance of accurate temperature management for safety and reliability.…”