Numerical study of a porous open channel for the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2022-03, Vol.47 (26), p.13087-13100
• Main Authors: Sławiński, Daniel, Soszko, Michał, Tokarz, Wojciech, Gliński, Michał, Bykuć, Sebastian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conversion energy; Current density; Open channel; PEMFC
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.02.059

The operation of a fuel cell (PEMFC) is associated with severe problems related to individual components' local power density and durability. The problem arises from the unsatisfactory distribution of the H2 and O2 reaction components and the high flow resistance. To find an answer to the problem posed, we tested nine variants of open anode/cathode channels dedicated to subsequent 3D printing. We have compared the obtained current-voltage characteristic curves with the experimental data of the fuel cell for which the new channels were dedicated. Each of the newly designed open flow channels had better current characteristics. Subsequently, we have compared selected cell properties between the best variants from the section. The final shape of the open channel ensured a high value of the current flux and local power density in the entire operating range of the fuel cell. Also, it generated low flow resistance allows for building a stack of cells. [Display omitted] •The size of the mesh determines the value of current-voltage characteristics.•The open porous channel was dedicated to the PEM fuel cell.•The complicated shape of the channel made it difficult to distribute the fluid.•A better distribution of the fluid components increased the current density.