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Experimental investigation and optimization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell using different flow fields

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  • Najmi, Aezid-Ul-Hassan
  • Anyanwu, Ikechukwu S.
  • Xie, Xu
  • Liu, Zhi
  • Jiao, Kui

Abstract

Flow field validates itself as one of the critical components having a significant impact on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This study experimentally analyses and compares the behavior of the wavy flow field designs with the serpentine, interdigitated, and straight-parallel flow field designs. In-situ experiments are carried out for performance test, polarisation curves, and electrochemical impedance analysis with different operating conditions. Additionally, the effect of relative humidity on the different configurations are analyzed. Results reveal the sensitivity of flow field configuration to humidity levels concerning cell performance. An increase in the humidity level accompanies charge transfer improvement, thus influencing performance. Also, compared to the other flow field designs, the performance yield in the wavy flow field is impressive even with moderate pressure drop. Findings indicate that the wavy flow field configuration utilizes less parasitic load with better humidity tolerance, improved mass transport, and enhanced performance compared to the other conventional flow field designs. These positive characteristics make them highly suitable for large PEMFC stacks with the larger active area.

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  • Najmi, Aezid-Ul-Hassan & Anyanwu, Ikechukwu S. & Xie, Xu & Liu, Zhi & Jiao, Kui, 2021. "Experimental investigation and optimization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell using different flow fields," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:217:y:2021:i:c:s0360544220324208
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.119313
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    2. Liao, Shuxin & Qiu, Diankai & Yi, Peiyun & Peng, Linfa & Lai, Xinmin, 2022. "Modeling of a novel cathode flow field design with optimized sub-channels to improve drainage for proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).
    3. Zhou, Yu & Chen, Ben & Chen, Wenshang & Deng, Qihao & Shen, Jun & Tu, Zhengkai, 2022. "A novel opposite sinusoidal wave flow channel for performance enhancement of proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).
    4. Shen, Jun & Du, Changqing & Yan, Fuwu & Chen, Ben & Tu, Zhengkai, 2022. "Experimental study on the dynamic performance of a power system with dual air-cooled PEMFC stacks," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 326(C).
    5. Zhou, Yu & Chen, Ben, 2023. "Investigation of optimization and evaluation criteria for flow field in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    6. Cai, Yonghua & Wu, Di & Sun, Jingming & Chen, Ben, 2021. "The effect of cathode channel blockages on the enhanced mass transfer and performance of PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    7. Gong, Fan & Yang, Xiaolong & Zhang, Xun & Mao, Zongqiang & Gao, Weitao & Wang, Cheng, 2023. "The study of Tesla valve flow field on the net power of proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 329(C).
    8. Huang, Haozhong & Liu, Mingxin & Li, Xuan & Guo, Xiaoyu & Wang, Tongying & Li, Songwei & Lei, Han, 2022. "Numerical simulation and visualization study of a new tapered-slope serpentine flow field in proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    9. Fan, Ruijia & Chang, Guofeng & Xu, Yiming & Xu, Jiamin, 2023. "Multi-objective optimization of graded catalyst layer to improve performance and current density uniformity of a PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
    10. Zhao, Junjie & Tu, Zhengkai & Chan, Siew Hwa, 2022. "In-situ measurement of humidity distribution and its effect on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    11. Hu, Bin & He, Guangjian & Chang, Fulu & Yang, Han & Cao, Xianwu & Yin, Xiaochun, 2022. "Low filler and highly conductive composite bipolar plates with synergistic segregated structure for enhanced proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).
    12. Sadiq T. Bunyan & Hayder A. Dhahad & Dhamyaa S. Khudhur & Talal Yusaf, 2023. "The Effect of Flow Field Design Parameters on the Performance of PEMFC: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-62, June.

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