Design of a Novel Multidimensional Forced-Convections Flow Channel with Both Blockages and Under-Rib Channels for PEMFC
Publication: Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 5
Abstract
The bipolar plate flow channels are critical to the operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The appearance of a water flood phenomenon at the cathode flow channel affects mass transport capacity and output performance in the fuel cell. Based on the conventional parallel flow field (CPFF), multidimensional design is carried out to improve the comprehensive performance of the flow field. Auxiliary blockage flow fields (ABFF), auxiliary multiblockages flow fields (AMBFF), and auxiliary multiblockages tilt flow fields (AMBTFF) are proposed to overcome the previous concerns in this study. The mass transport of novel flow fields is studied based on fuel cell and electrolysis modules at CFD software FLUENT. The results indicate that multidimensional forced-convections formed in the cathode channel effectively promote both the entry of reactants and the removal of water, particularly in the under-rib region of AMBTFF. Therefore, the oxygen mass distribution in the cell is more uniform, which has a positive effect on the current density distribution, especially at the downstream. The current density in the AMBTFF is 11.1% more than that in CPFF. Moreover, the more stable operation of AMBTFF is confirmed due to the more uniform temperature distribution and the minimal increase of pressure drop.
Practical Applications
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are devices that generate electricity through electrochemical reactions of clean fuels, with high efficiency, strong reliability, and zero pollution. It is widely used in equipment such as automobiles, ships, and portable power sources. Bipolar plates account for a significant proportion of the weight and cost of fuel cells, undertaking tasks such as fluid distribution, cooling, and heat dissipation. The flow field design of bipolar plate directly affects the heat and mass transfer capability and fuel cell output performance. The traditional flow field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells suffers from issues such inadequate mass transfer, internal flooding of the catalytic layer, and excessive temperature while operating at high current density. Novel multidimensional flow fields are proposed by this manuscript, which can improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and further optimize material transport and drainage capabilities. The result can provide as new inspiration for proton exchange membrane fuel cell flow field design.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work is financially supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central University No. 3132019328; Science and Technology Innovation Fundation of Dalian, China No. 2021JJ11CG004; the National Natural Science Foundation of China No. 51905068; and the Projects for Dalian Youth Star of Science and Technology No. 2021RQ135.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 5 • October 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 15, 2022
Accepted: May 2, 2023
Published online: Jul 14, 2023
Published in print: Oct 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Dec 14, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Channel flow
- Channels (waterway)
- Density currents
- Energy engineering
- Energy sources (by type)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Field tests
- Flow (fluid dynamics)
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic structures
- Hydrologic engineering
- Mass transport
- Membranes
- Renewable energy
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Temperature (by type)
- Temperature distribution
- Tests (by type)
- Thermal properties
- Thermodynamics
- Transport phenomena
- Water and water resources
- Waterways
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