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Design and Optimization of an Uneven Wave-like Protrusion Channel in the Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell Based on the Taguchi Design

Author

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  • Zhong-Liang Feng

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Road, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Tian-Jun Zhou

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Road, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Shen Xu

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Road, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Guo-Liang Wang

    (Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China)

  • Lu-Haibo Zhao

    (Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China)

  • Bo Huang

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Road, Shanghai 201620, China)

Abstract

The design of channel geometry plays a critical role in the performance of proton exchange membrane electrolytic cells (PEMECs), particularly in addressing challenges such as bubble accumulation and pressure drop, which hinder efficient hydrogen production. This study introduces an innovative uneven wave-like protrusion channel structure for PEMECs, designed to optimize mass transfer and bubble removal while minimizing energy losses. A combination of three-dimensional numerical simulations and the Taguchi design method is employed to systematically investigate the impact of protrusion height, width, and spacing on key performance metrics, including pressure drop, oxygen output, and volumetric gas content. The effects of different water supply flow rates and temperatures on the electrolytic cell were also investigated through visualization experiments. The results show that the channel with inhomogeneous waveform protrusions has superior PEMEC performance compared with the conventional single serpentine channel. In addition, the waveforms of the waveform protrusions were optimized using the Taguchi design method. The results obtained further optimized the PEMEC performance by increasing the outlet oxygen volume by 8.97%, reducing the average pressure drop by 4.4%, and decreasing the volumetric gas content by 20.26%.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhong-Liang Feng & Tian-Jun Zhou & Shen Xu & Guo-Liang Wang & Lu-Haibo Zhao & Bo Huang, 2025. "Design and Optimization of an Uneven Wave-like Protrusion Channel in the Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell Based on the Taguchi Design," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3246-:d:1684130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Yun & Chen, Ken S. & Mishler, Jeffrey & Cho, Sung Chan & Adroher, Xavier Cordobes, 2011. "A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Technology, applications, and needs on fundamental research," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(4), pages 981-1007, April.
    2. Yang, Rui & Mohamed, Amira & Kim, Kibum, 2023. "Optimal design and flow-field pattern selection of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers using artificial intelligence," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
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