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Numerical Investigation of Flow Channel Design and Tapered Slope Effects on PEM Fuel Cell Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Zhiming Zhang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Sai Wu

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Huimin Miao

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Tong Zhang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

Abstract

High-power proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell vehicles are important for the realization of carbon neutrality in transportation. However, it is difficult to maintain enough fuel supply and quick water removal capacity at a high current density where reactant gas transportation and water concentration are directly affected by flow channel configurations. This study aims to investigate the tapered slope effects of a flow channel on fuel cell performance using a 3-D CFD model. The positive, negative, zero and hybrid tapered slopes are proposed to illustrate the fuel cell voltage, reactant gas and water vapor concentration in the flow channels. Among them, the flow channel with a positive tapered slope performs better, especially at a high current density. Then, the positive tapered slope effects are discussed, including different tapered slopes, inlet depths and widths of flow channels. The results show that the larger the tapered slope, the smaller the depth and width, and the better the fuel cell performs; the corresponding current densities are increased by a maximum of 6.53%, 12.72% and 61.13%. The outcomes stated above provide a key direction for flow channel design that can particularly achieve higher fuel cell power density at high current densities.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiming Zhang & Sai Wu & Huimin Miao & Tong Zhang, 2022. "Numerical Investigation of Flow Channel Design and Tapered Slope Effects on PEM Fuel Cell Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:18:p:11167-:d:908305
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhiming Zhang & Sai Wu & Kunpeng Li & Jiaming Zhou & Caizhi Zhang & Guofeng Wang & Tong Zhang, 2022. "An Effective Force-Temperature-Humidity Coupled Modeling for PEMFC Performance Parameter Matching by Using CFD and FEA Co-Simulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-18, November.

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