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Structural optimization of fiber porous self-humidifying flow field plates applied to proton exchange membrane fuel cells

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  • Lian, Yunsong
  • Zhu, Zhengchao
  • You, Changtang
  • Lin, Liangliang
  • Lin, Fengtian
  • Lin, Le
  • Huang, Yating
  • Zhou, Wei

Abstract

In existing fuel cell flow field design, porous flow fields have shown to have excellent self-humidifying capability due to its highly controllable pore space, capillary pumping ability, and certain structural flexibility. However, the uniformly distributed structure is difficult to adapt to the complex water-gas distribution inside the fuel cell. Therefore, this paper designs an optimized structure based on the pre-developed fiber porous flow field. Experimental results show that, compared with the original fuel cell, the peak power density of the optimized fiber porous self-humidifying flow field is increased by 15.21%, and the average output current of long-term constant voltage (0.4 V) is increased by 3.5%. It is also found that the temperature rises under long-time operation (45 °C–56 °C) will further enhance the output power.

Suggested Citation

  • Lian, Yunsong & Zhu, Zhengchao & You, Changtang & Lin, Liangliang & Lin, Fengtian & Lin, Le & Huang, Yating & Zhou, Wei, 2023. "Structural optimization of fiber porous self-humidifying flow field plates applied to proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:271:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223004280
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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