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Synergistic effects of baffles in cathode channel and conical frustum grooves in cathode gas diffusion layer on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

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  • Zuo, Wei
  • Li, Yimin
  • Li, Qingqing
  • Zhou, Kun
  • Huang, Yuhan
  • Li, Yawei

Abstract

In order to enhance the oxygen transport and electrical performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), in this work, a PEMFC with baffles in cathode channel and conical frustum grooves in cathode GDL is designed and compared with that without baffles and conical frustum grooves, with baffles in cathode channel, with conical frustum grooves in cathode GDL. It is found that with baffles and conical frustum grooves, the PEMFC achieves better ability of oxygen transport and liquid water removal, higher and more uniform membrane current density, and higher power density. Then, effects of spacing and staggered distance on the mass fraction of oxygen and liquid water, membrane current density and power density of PEMFC are investigated. The synergistic effects are enhanced with the reduction of spacing and adjustment of staggered distance. Compared to the original model, the maximum power density of PEMFC with baffles in cathode channel and conical frustum grooves in cathode GDL is increased by 7.59 % when the spacing and staggered distance are 1.25 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Zuo, Wei & Li, Yimin & Li, Qingqing & Zhou, Kun & Huang, Yuhan & Li, Yawei, 2025. "Synergistic effects of baffles in cathode channel and conical frustum grooves in cathode gas diffusion layer on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:340:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225049746
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139332
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    References listed on IDEAS

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