Optimization of Fuel Cell Performance Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

A low cost bipolar plate materials with a high fuel cell performance is important for the establishment of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM ) cells into competitive world market. In this research, effect different plates material such as Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu), and Stainless Steel (SS) single stack proton exchange membrane (PEM) was investigated both numerically experimentally. Firstly, three dimensional (3D) PEM model developed, simulations were conducted using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) ANSYS FLUENT to examine each on performance. Along performance, significant parameters distributions like temperature, pressure, mass fraction hydrogen, oxygen, water presented. Then, an experimental study Al, Cu, SS used in verification numerical investigation. Finally, polarization curves results compared validation, result shows that Al serpentine performed better than Cu materials. The outcome investigation tandem fact due adsorption metal surfaces, hydrogen molecules more stable surface surfaces.