Effects of geometrical dimensions of flow channels of a large-active-area PEM fuel cell: A CFD study

Various flow field designs have been numerically investigated to evaluate the effect of pattern and cross-sectional dimensions channel on performance a large active area PEM fuel cell. Three types multiple-serpentine channels (7-channels, 11-channels 14-channels) chosen for 200 cm2 cell analysed by varying width land channel. The CFD simulations showed that as decreases, in 14-channels serpentine case, improves, especially at high current densities where concentration losses are dominant. optimum configuration, i.e. serpentine, has manufactured tested experimentally very good agreement between experimental modelling data was achieved. 4 depths considered (0.25, 0.4, 0.6 0.8 mm) study determine effects pressure drop water content. Up 7% increase maximum reported density achieved smallest depth this due better removal excess liquid humidification membrane. Also, influence air rate evaluated; V increased around 25% when times; is attributed water.