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Investigating the impact of inverted-trapezoidal cross-section flow channels on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a parallel flow channel configuration

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  • Sayan, Yunus

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of flow channel cross-sectional geometry on the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) using a parallel flow field configuration. Three PEMFC models with square, trapezoidal, and inverted-trapezoidal cross-section flow channels were analyzed under identical operating conditions using ANSYS Fluent. The results show that the inverted-trapezoidal configuration outperforms the square design, particularly at low voltages where concentration losses are dominant, achieving a 3 % higher power density at 0.45 V. This performance advantage increased to 3.45 % with higher inlet mass flow rates. In contrast, the trapezoidal configuration exhibited the lowest performance across all tested voltages, likely due to reduced rib contact and increased ohmic resistance. Additionally, sensitivity to channel sidewall angle, height, and rib width was observed, emphasizing the need for holistic geometric optimization. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient PEMFC designs and support their integration into renewable energy systems through improved fuel cell performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Sayan, Yunus, 2026. "Investigating the impact of inverted-trapezoidal cross-section flow channels on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a parallel flow channel configuration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pb:s0960148125016659
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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