Cathode side transport phenomena investigation and Multi-Objective optimization of a tapered parallel flow field PEMFC

A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) provides stable, emission-free, high-efficiency power. Water management and durability of PEMFCs are directly affected by transport phenomena at the cathode side. In present study, investigated optimized in a tapered parallel flow field. Main channels field tapered, which increases limiting current density 41%. Two objectives, i.e. water saturation resistance, considered metrics for PEMFC. Operating pressure, temperature, stoichiometries both sides, porosity gas diffusion layers selected as parameters to be optimized. functions generated objectives integrating 3D multiphase-flow computational fluid dynamics Response Surface Methodology. Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) is carried out with two different methods. Particle Swarm (MOPSO) Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) employed produce challenging Pareto fronts. The results demonstrate that MOPSO performs better than NSGA-II. recognized quite same front lower runtime. last step, Technique Order Preference Similarity Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) used select an optimum point from front. compared against experimental data, good correspondence observed. features temperature 323, pressure 1 atm, anode stoichiometry 3, 2.62, 0.68. played most significant roles determining resistance.