Numerical study of optimized three-dimension novel Key-shaped flow field design for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2022-01, Vol.47 (8), p.5541-5552
• Main Authors: Lin, Peijian, Wang, Hongyu, Wang, Guodong, Li, Jirui, Sun, Juncai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Flow field channel; Key-shaped; Mass transfer; PEMFC; Variable cross section
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.11.170

Key-shaped three-dimension (3D) flow field channel is designed to improve the performance and mass transfer of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). This study comprehensively analyses the impacts on the performance and mass transfer of the flow channel from multiple dimensions such as the size, shape, and placement of the blocks. In comparison with the conventional straight single flow field channel, the new channel with rectangular blocks can effectively improve performance by 30%. Semi-elliptical and quarter-elliptical blocks are designed to make forced convection and increase the diffusion area of oxygen. The results indicate that the flow velocity in the Z-axis direction can be increased to 0.08–0.2 m/s due to the narrow space formed by variable cross-sections. In conclusion, the Key-shaped design has a potential to improve the performance of mass transfer in the cathode channel, providing a new strategy for the development of flow field design in PEMFC field. •Key-shaped 3D flow field channel with various kinds of block has been designed.•The power density can be increased by nearly 30% from better block size.•Mass transfer capacity is improved due to variable cross-section.•The diffusion area of oxygen is influenced by the addition of internal placement.•An optimization strategy for flow field channel design is proposed.