Shape Optimization of PEMFC Flow‐channel Cross‐Sections

Abstract

This paper presents the modeling, simulation and optimization of a single channel proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) using computational fluid dynamics methods. The shape optimization of the flow‐channels was employed to improve the electrical performance of the fuel cell. The maximization of the current density was the objective function of the single‐objective optimization problem, the upper and lower widths of the flow channels were the control variables and a cross‐section area restriction was imposed. The optimized flow‐channel PEMFC presented improved current generation characteristics, showing higher current and power densities and a more uniform current density distribution than the rectangular flow‐channel.

Flow Analysis Based on Cathodic Current Using Different Designs of Channel Distribution In PEM Fuel Cells

“…Our results were in agreement with those presented by this author. On the other hand, Rivas [33] observed poor current distributions with parallel flow fields. Figure 6 shows the current density distributions for Designs 3-5, for which the cell voltage fell below 0.52 V (that is, 0.66 V of cathode over potential).…”

“…These appeared to be more uniform in Design 4 or 5 than in Designs 1, 2, and 3. Barreras [9] and Rivas [33] showed that the profiles of current density exhibited better distributions with the re-direct pattern design, to produce a more efficient fuel cell. Our results were in agreement with those presented by this author.…”

“…Yan [38], by simulating the flow channels, better uniformity in the current density distribution along the width of the cell could be attained. In other cases, the researchers showed real applications mainly for the automotive sector in hybrid vehicles or applications in the electronics industry such as telephony, computing, and instruments for research and development [33]. Zamora, using ANSYS R v14, simulated the behavior of the relevant variables in a fuel cell (pressure, volume, mass flow) in eight different geometry configurations in bipolar plates.…”

Study on 3D Simulation Performance of Large‐Scale Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell with Distribution Region

“…Hossain et al [ 10 ] conducted a numerical analysis, which showed that the segmented flow field created a more uniform flow distribution than the parallel PEMFC flow field. Freire and Korkischko [ 11,12 ] explained the impact of cross‐sectional shape on PEMFC performance, and mainly studied the impact of cross‐sectional shape on the pressure drop in each channel. The performance of large‐scale PEMFC is rarely discussed in the research above and is mostly focused on small‐scale PEMFC.…”

Study on the Optimization for the Size of Fuel Cell Flow Field Under Inadequate Air Supply Condition

“…The influence of flow field geometry structure on the PEMFC performance was studied by Freire et al, 14 and they found that investigated the effect of operational parameters on the performance of PEMFCs by using serpentine flow field with different cross-section shape (rectangular and trapezoidal), finding that trapezoidal cross-section of flow field can remove the liquid water effectively and the rectangular cross-section of serpentine flow field will not affect the performance of PEMFC. Korkischko et al 15 reviewed the effect of the shape of flow field Cross-Sections on PEMFC performance and proposed the inverted trapezoidal crosssection is the optimized geometry because of the perfect power density and current density characteristics.…”