Performance of the multi-U-style structure based flow field for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Area of Science:

• Energy Science
• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are crucial for clean energy.
• Bipolar plate reactant gas flow field design critically impacts PEMFC performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate four novel U-shaped flow field designs for PEMFCs.
• To compare the performance of these designs against conventional flow fields.

Main Methods:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations were employed.
• Model experiments were conducted for validation.
• Performance metrics including pressure, water content, current density, and efficiency were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The Distro Out-In Multi-U flow field demonstrated significant advantages over conventional parallel flow field (CPFF) and conventional serpentine flow field (CSFF).
• This design reduced pressures, liquid water content, and improved water distribution and current density uniformity.
• It achieved higher net power density (10.1%) and consumed less H2 (91.9%) compared to CSFF.

Conclusions:

• U-shaped flow fields, particularly the Distro Out-In Multi-U design, offer superior output performance and energy efficiency for PEMFCs.
• This design shows enhanced resistance to flooding.
• The U-shaped flow field presents a promising alternative for reactive flow fields in PEMFC applications.