Optimization of serpentine flow field in proton-exchange membrane fuel cell under the effects of external factors

Abstract

Flow field (FF) directly influences many functions of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), namely, the even distribution and isolation of reaction gas, and electrical connection between cells. However, the influence depends heavily on FF structure and external factors. This paper explores the effects of gas diffusion layer (GDL) porosity, inlet speed, temperature, length, width, and depth on the performance of PEMFC with serpentine FF (SFF) through mathematical modelling and statistical analysis, with the aim to disclose the change law of cell performance under the combined effects of structural parameters and those of external factors. The combination of structural parameters and external factors were optimized, and proved valid by the electrochemical performance of SFF PEMFC. The results show that 8-channel complex SFF is the best channel pattern; the optimal width-depth combination is 1.2 mm wide and 0.8 mm deep; GDL porosity is the primary factor affecting water distribution, current density distribution and oxygen distribution of SFF PEMFC compare with the aspects of inlet speed and temperature. The research results provide a good reference for optimizing the FF for better PEMFC performance.

Keywords

• Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)
• Flow field (FF)
• External factors
• Size combination