The Effect of Obstacle Geometric Feature in Parallel Flow Field on PEMFC Output Performance

Abstract

The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) can be enhanced by introducing barriers in the parallel flow field, which improves reactant transport and induces adequate reaction. In this study, five different shapes of obstacles where introduced in the research which were dispersed and placed in a parallel flow field. The effects of these different shaped obstacles on PEMFC output performance were compared by simulation. When reactants pass through the obstruction, the velocity increases, leading to higher concentration of reactants in the catalytic layer. This results in more a complete reaction and improved performance. The study demonstrates that incorporating 16 uniformly placed obstacles in the sub-flow channel of parallel flow field, with each obstacle being right-angled trapezoid shape and cut-in angle of 30°, measuring 1 mm in length, 0.3 mm in width, and 1 mm in height, resulted in net power density is 0.57 W/m2, an increase of 43% and 16% improvement in water removal capacity compared with the standard technique.