Influence of Wave Parallel Flow Field Design on the Performance of PEMFC

Abstract

Flow field plays an important role in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance. Excellent flow field configuration promotes the transport of reactant gases in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), effectively removing liquid water. In this study, a three-dimensional, two-phase model of PEMFC with a wave parallel flow field is developed. The results reveal that wave parallel flow fields are overall better than conventional parallel flow field in promoting reactant gases transport, removing liquid water accumulated in microporous layer and avoiding thermal stress concentration in the membrane. Due to the periodic geometric characteristics of the wave flow channel, the gas flow velocity of the wave parallel flow fields is more uniform than that of conventional parallel flow field. Moreover, the results show that large amplitude and short wave length in the wave parallel flow fields can improve the PEMFC output power. Specifically, at an operating voltage of 0.6 V, the maximum power in the wave parallel flow field is 34.75% higher than that of conventional parallel flow field.