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Study on the Optimal Cross-Sectional Shapes of the PEMFC Endplates by Using a Moment of Inertia and 3D FEM Models

Author

Listed:
  • Zhiming Zhang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Jun Zhang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Yapeng Shang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Tong Zhang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

Abstract

The deflection of the endplate under the clamping force has a vital effect on fuel cell performance. An optimal cross-sectional shape with a high moment of inertia of the endplate is significant to maximize the bending stiffness of the fuel cell stack. Five cross-sectional shapes (rectangular, round, parabolic, rectangular + round, and rectangular + parabolic) of the typical endplates are proposed. An analytical study on the moments of inertia of the endplates is introduced and analyzed. The maximum moments of inertia of the cross-sections are obtained and displayed in a matrix in thickness and length. The statistical results show that the “rectangular + parabolic” cross-section has the advantage of wide dimensional size while maintaining a high moment of inertia. Finally, the analytical studies are validated by a finite element method (FEM) and the corresponding trends are highly agreed upon. The maximum moment of inertia of the parabolic endplate is 85.71% higher than the rectangular endplate with a thickness of 80 mm, and the corresponding contact pressure variance is 6.15% less than the rectangular endplate. The presented analytical study is significant and effective to optimize the cross-sectional shape of the endplate and provide an endplate design direction for a large fuel cell stack.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiming Zhang & Jun Zhang & Yapeng Shang & Tong Zhang, 2022. "Study on the Optimal Cross-Sectional Shapes of the PEMFC Endplates by Using a Moment of Inertia and 3D FEM Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12939-:d:938189
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Liu, Jiaran & Tan, Jinzhu & Yang, Weizhan & Li, Yang & Wang, Chao, 2021. "Better electrochemical performance of PEMFC under a novel pneumatic clamping mechanism," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
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    5. Zhiming Zhang & Jun Zhang & Tong Zhang, 2022. "Endplate Design and Topology Optimization of Fuel Cell Stack Clamped with Bolts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-13, April.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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