Effects of modified flow field on optimal parameters estimation and cell performance of a PEM fuel cell with the Taguchi method

The study applies a three-dimensional model simulating the transport phenomenon and electrochemical reactions of full scale serpentine channels to determine the best arrangement of cuboid rows at the axis in the anode and cathode channels. With the best arrangement of the cuboid rows in the channels...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hydrogen energy 2012-01, Vol.37 (2), p.1613-1627
Main Authors: Wu, Horng-Wen, Ku, Hui-Wen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Cuboid rows
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc
Exact sciences and technology
Fuel cells
Full scale serpentine channels
Modified flow field
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Taguchi method
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Summary:The study applies a three-dimensional model simulating the transport phenomenon and electrochemical reactions of full scale serpentine channels to determine the best arrangement of cuboid rows at the axis in the anode and cathode channels. With the best arrangement of the cuboid rows in the channels, the Taguchi methodology is used in the experiment to obtain the optimal operating parameters for three objectives with the minimum pressure drops in anode and cathode channels, and maximum electrical power. The results show that the interactions of flow fields between each cuboid and the current collector surface generate less overall deflection effect and force more reactant gases into the catalyst layer to have more uniform current density distributions. The electrical power is 30% greater for the three objectives optimization than for minimum pressure drops optimization and the pressure drops 275% less for the three objectives optimization than for maximum electrical power optimization. ► Applying a 3D model and Taguchi methodology obtains the optimal result. ► Adding cuboid rows in a channel decreases overall deflection. ► Modifying flow field generates more uniform reactant gas concentration distribution. ► The current density was improved at middle and near outlet of a full scale channel. ► The optimal result augments electrical power 30% and reduces pressure drops 275%.
ISSN:0360-3199
1879-3487
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.09.115