Design of a Novel Multidimensional Forced-Convections Flow Channel with Both Blockages and Under-Rib Channels for PEMFC

The bipolar plate flow channels are critical to the operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The appearance of a water flood phenomenon at the cathode flow channel affects mass transport capacity and output performance in the fuel cell. Based on the conventional parallel flow field (CPFF), multidimensional design is carried out to improve the comprehensive performance of the flow field. Auxiliary blockage flow fields (ABFF), auxiliary multiblockages flow fields (AMBFF), and auxiliary multiblockages tilt flow fields (AMBTFF) are proposed to overcome the previous concerns in this study. The mass transport of novel flow fields is studied based on fuel cell and electrolysis modules at CFD software FLUENT. The results indicate that multidimensional forced-convections formed in the cathode channel effectively promote both the entry of reactants and the removal of water, particularly in the under-rib region of AMBTFF. Therefore, the oxygen mass distribution in the cell is more uniform, which has a positive effect on the current density distribution, especially at the downstream. The current density in the AMBTFF is 11.1% more than that in CPFF. Moreover, the more stable operation of AMBTFF is confirmed due to the more uniform temperature distribution and the minimal increase of pressure drop.