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Numerical Investigation of Effects of Obstacles in Flow Channels and Depth of Flow Channels for PEMFCs

Author

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  • Do Yeong Jung

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Republic of Korea)

  • Dong Kun Song

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Republic of Korea)

  • Jung Soo Kim

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Republic of Korea)

  • Seung Heon Lee

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Republic of Korea)

  • Gyeong Won Min

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Republic of Korea)

  • Jong Hyun Son

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 440 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA)

  • Gu Young Cho

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

The channel is a crucial component of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Since the channel can change the reactant transfer capability, water removal capability, and distribution of the reactant, it affects the performance and durability of PEMFCs. This study investigated the effects of obstacles in the serpentine-type flow channel on the performance of PEMFCs by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The height of the obstacles was varied to analyze the electrochemical performances of the fuel cells. In addition, the depth of the flow channel was varied to compare the performances of the PEMFCs. To better represent the real-world tendency, the agglomerate model and the Forchheimer inertial effect were used. The results showed that changes in the channel depth caused greater performance improvements compared to the installation of obstacles, due to the enhanced mass transfer and improved water removal. However, the results for the installation of obstacles showed the lower non-uniformity of the current density and a reduced pressure drop compared to the changes in the channel depth, offering advantages in terms of flooding, the fuel cell life, and the operating cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Do Yeong Jung & Dong Kun Song & Jung Soo Kim & Seung Heon Lee & Gyeong Won Min & Jong Hyun Son & Gu Young Cho, 2024. "Numerical Investigation of Effects of Obstacles in Flow Channels and Depth of Flow Channels for PEMFCs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-22, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:10144-:d:1525393
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, Ying & Song, Jiangnan & Deng, Xinyue & Chen, Su & Zhang, Xiang & Ma, Zongpeng & Chen, Lunjun & Wu, Yanli, 2023. "Numerical investigation of baffle shape effects on performance and mass transfer of proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    2. Xing, Lei & Das, Prodip K. & Song, Xueguan & Mamlouk, Mohamed & Scott, Keith, 2015. "Numerical analysis of the optimum membrane/ionomer water content of PEMFCs: The interaction of Nafion® ionomer content and cathode relative humidity," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 242-257.
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