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Investigation of optimization and evaluation criteria for flow field in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: A critical review

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  • Zhou, Yu
  • Chen, Ben

Abstract

The optimal design of the flow field is of great significance for the performance enhancement and commercial application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The optimization of water-gas transport characteristics in the flow field is the key research content and the key to enhancing the performance and durability of PEMFC. Flow field design evaluation criteria are the mainstream methods for judging the water-gas transport characteristics of flow fields. This paper reviews the current status of PEMFC flow field optimization design research, emphasizes multiple flow field design evaluation criteria, and is dedicated to achieving a standardized, integrated and commercialized design of commercial flow field plates (FFP). Further, a flow field design criterion with a cost-effectiveness index as an important criterion is proposed to optimize the high cost of commercial FFP and poor water-gas transport performance at high current densities. In order to obtain a commercial FFP with better comprehensive performance and better cost-effectiveness, and ultimately promote the commercialization of PEMFC.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou, Yu & Chen, Ben, 2023. "Investigation of optimization and evaluation criteria for flow field in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:185:y:2023:i:c:s1364032123004410
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113584
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    Cited by:

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    3. Wang, Yulin & Guan, Chao & Li, Hua & Zhao, Yulong & Wang, Cheng & He, Wei, 2023. "Flow field configuration design for a large-scale hydrogen polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 351(C).
    4. Luo, Zongkai & Chen, Ke & Zou, Guofu & Deng, Qihao & He, Dandi & Xiong, Zhongzhuang & Chen, Wenshang & Chen, Ben, 2024. "Dynamic response characteristics and water-gas-heat synergistic transport mechanism of proton exchange membrane fuel cell during transient loading," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
    5. Cai, Yonghua & Liu, Xiaomu & Wei, Fan & Luo, Zixian & Chen, Ben, 2024. "Numerical and experimental study on mass transfer and performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a gradient 3D flow field," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 361(C).
    6. Sun, Feng & Su, Dandan & Li, Ping & Lin, Fanxin & Miu, Guodong & Wan, Qi & Yin, Yujie, 2024. "Effects of three-dimensional type flow fields on mass transfer and performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).

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