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An experimental and simulation study of novel channel designs for open-cathode high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

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  • Thomas, Sobi
  • Bates, Alex
  • Park, Sam
  • Sahu, A.K.
  • Lee, Sang C.
  • Son, Byung Rak
  • Kim, Joo Gon
  • Lee, Dong-Ha

Abstract

A minimum balance of plant (BOP) is desired for an open-cathode high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell to ensure low parasitic losses and a compact design. The advantage of an open-cathode system is the elimination of the coolant plate and incorporation of a blower for oxidant and coolant supply, which reduces the overall size of the stack, power losses, and results in a lower system volume. In the present study, we present unique designs for an open-cathode system which offers uniform temperature distribution with a minimum temperature gradient and a uniform flow distribution through each cell. Design studies were carried out to increase power density. An experimental and simulation approach was carried out to design the novel open-cathode system. Two unique parallel serpentine flow designs were developed to yield a low pressure drop and uniform flow distribution, one without pins and another with pins. A five-cell stack was fabricated in the lab based on the new design. Performance and flow distribution studies revealed better performance, uniform flow distribution, and a reduced temperature gradient across the stack; improving overall system efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas, Sobi & Bates, Alex & Park, Sam & Sahu, A.K. & Lee, Sang C. & Son, Byung Rak & Kim, Joo Gon & Lee, Dong-Ha, 2016. "An experimental and simulation study of novel channel designs for open-cathode high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 765-776.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:165:y:2016:i:c:p:765-776
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.12.011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdul Rasheed, Raj Kamal & Chan, Siew Hwa, 2015. "Transient carbon monoxide poisoning kinetics during warm-up period of a high-temperature PEMFC – Physical model and parametric study," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 44-51.
    2. Zuliani, Nicola & Taccani, Rodolfo, 2012. "Microcogeneration system based on HTPEM fuel cell fueled with natural gas: Performance analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 802-808.
    3. Roshandel, R. & Arbabi, F. & Moghaddam, G. Karimi, 2012. "Simulation of an innovative flow-field design based on a bio inspired pattern for PEM fuel cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 86-95.
    4. Jiao, Kui & Zhou, Yibo & Du, Qing & Yin, Yan & Yu, Shuhai & Li, Xianguo, 2013. "Numerical simulations of carbon monoxide poisoning in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells with various flow channel designs," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 21-41.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhao, Chen & Li, Baozhu & Zhang, Lu & Han, Yaru & Wu, Xiaoyu, 2023. "Novel optimal structure design and testing of air-cooled open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    2. Rostami, Leila & Haghshenasfard, Masoud & Sadeghi, Morteza & Zhiani, Mohammad, 2022. "A 3D CFD model of novel flow channel designs based on the serpentine and the parallel design for performance enhancement of PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    3. 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.
    4. Anand Sagar & Sachin Chugh & Erik Kjeang, 2023. "Model-Driven Membrane Electrode Assembly Design for High-Performing Open-Cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-23, November.
    5. Kurnia, Jundika C. & Chaedir, Benitta A. & Sasmito, Agus P. & Shamim, Tariq, 2021. "Progress on open cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Performance, designs, challenges and future directions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    6. Baik, Kyung Don & Yang, Seong Ho, 2020. "Development of cathode cooling fins with a multi-hole structure for open-cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    7. Xiong, Kangning & Wu, Wei & Wang, Shuangfeng & Zhang, Lin, 2021. "Modeling, design, materials and fabrication of bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cell: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    8. Chowdhury, Mohammad Ziauddin & Timurkutluk, Bora, 2018. "Transport phenomena of convergent and divergent serpentine flow fields for PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 104-117.
    9. Singdeo, Debanand & Dey, Tapobrata & Gaikwad, Shrihari & Andreasen, Søren Juhl & Ghosh, Prakash C., 2017. "A new modified-serpentine flow field for application in high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 13-22.

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