PEMFC flow channel geometry optimization: A review

Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology

Volumn 9, Issue 1, 2012, Pages

  Aiyejina, Ararimeh ^a   Sastry, M K S ^a  

^a UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES   (Trinidad and Tobago)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES; FLOW CHANNELS; FLOW FIELD OPTIMIZATION; LONG LIFETIME; LOW OPERATING TEMPERATURE; LOW OPERATING VOLTAGE; PEMFC SYSTEMS; POWER DENSITIES; QUICK START-UP; REACTANT TRANSPORT; RIB SIZE; SERPENTINE FLOW FIELDS; SMALL CHANNELS; UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY; VEHICULAR APPLICATIONS; ZERO EMISSION;

CHANNEL FLOW; DESIGN; ENERGY CONVERSION; FLOW FIELDS; OPTIMIZATION; RESEARCH; SERPENTINE;

PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS (PEMFC);

EID: 84855163613     PISSN: 1550624X     EISSN: 15516989     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1115/1.4005393     Document Type: Article

References (64)

1. Grujicic, M., and Chittajallu, K. M., 2004, "Optimization of the Cathode Geometry in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells," Chem. Eng. Sci., 59, pp. 5883-5895. (Pubitemid 39606032)
2. Carcadea, E., Stefanescu, I., Ionete, R. E., Ene, H., Ingham, D. B., and Ma, L., 2008, "PEM Fuel Cell Geometry Optimisation using Mathematical Modelling," Int. J. Multiphys., 2(3), pp. 313-326.
3. Kopanidis, A., Theodorakakos, A., Gavaises, M., and Bouris, D., 2011, "Pore Scale 3D Modelling of Heat and Mass Transfer in the Gas Diffusion Layer and Cathode Channel of a PEM Fuel Cell," Int. J. Thermal Sci., 50, pp. 456-467.
4. Bao, C., Ouyang, M., and Yi, B., 2006, "Analysis of Water Management in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Tsinghua Sci. Technol., 11, pp. 54-64.
5. Wang, X. D., Duan, Y. Y., and Yan, W. M., 2007, "Novel Serpentine-Baffle Flow Field Design for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," J. Power Sources, 173, pp. 210-221.
6. Kuo, J. K., Yen, T. S., and Chen, C. K., 2008, "Improvement of Performance of Gas Flow Channel in PEM Fuel Cells," Energy Convers. Manage., 49, pp. 2776-2787.
7. Wang, X. D., Duan, Y. Y., Yan, W. M., and Peng, X. F., 2008, "Effects of Flow Channel Geometry on Cell Performance for PEM Fuel Cells with Parallel and Interdigitated Flow Fields," Electrochim. Acta, 53, pp. 5334-5343.
8. Wang, X. D., Zhang, X. X., Liu, T., Duan, Y. Y., Yan, W. M., and Lee, D. J., 2010, "Channel Geometry Effect for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell With Serpentine Flow Field Using a Three-Dimensional Two-Phase Model," ASME J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol., 7, p. 051019.
9. Wang, Y., Chen, K. S., Mishler, J., Cho, S. C., and Adroher, X. C., 2011, "A Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: Technology, Applications, and Needs on Fundamental Research," Appl. Energy, 88, pp. 981-1007.
10. Cordiner, S., Lanzani, S. P., Mulone, V., Chiapparini, M., D'Anzi, A., and Orsi, D., 2009, "Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Design Based on Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling," ASME J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol., 6, p. 021310.
11. National Institute of Standards and Technology, May 2006, PEM Fuel Cells (Online), http://www.physics.nist.gov/MajResFac/NIF/pemFuelCells.html.
12. Siefert, N. S., and Lister, S., 2011, "Voltage Loss and Fluctuation in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: The Role of Cathode Channel Plurality and Air Stoichiometric Ratio," J. Power Sources, 196, pp. 1948-1954.
13. Cheddie, D. and Munroe, N., 2005, "Review and Comparison of Approaches to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Modeling," J. Power Sources, 147, pp. 72-84.
14. Liu, X., Guo, H., and Ma, C., 2006, "Water Flooding and Two-Phase Flow in Cathode Channels of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," J. Power Sources, 156, pp. 267-280. (Pubitemid 43792369)
15. Su, A., Weng, F. B., Hsu, C. Y., and Chen, Y. M., 2006, "Studies on Flooding in PEM Fuel Cell Cathode Channels," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 31, pp. 1031-1039.
16. Akhtar, N., Qureshi, A., Scholta, J., Hartnig, C., Messerschmidt, M., and Lehnert, W., 2009, "Investigation of Water Droplet Kinetics and Optimization of Channel Geometry for PEM Fuel Cell Cathodes," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 34, pp. 3104-3111.
17. Liu, X., Guo, H., Ye, F., and Ma, C., 2008, "Flow Dynamic Characteristics in Flow Field of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 33, pp. 1040-1051.
18. Jiao, K., Zhou, B., and Quan, P., 2006, "Liquid Water Transport in Parallel Serpentine Channels With Manifolds on Cathode Side of a PEM Fuel Cell Stack," J. Power Sources, 154, pp. 124-137. (Pubitemid 43290628)
19. Suresh, P. V., and Jayanti, S., 2010, "Effect of Air Flow on Liquid Water Transport Through a Hydrophobic Gas Diffusion Layer of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 35, pp. 6872-6886.
20. Dawes, J. E., Hanspal, N. S., Family, O. A., and Turan, A., 2009, "Three-Dimensional CFD Modelling of PEM Fuel Cells: An Investigation Into the Effects of Water Flooding," Chem. Eng. Sci., 64, pp. 2781-2794.
21. Steinkamp, K., Schumacher, J. O., Goldsmith, F., Ohlberger, M., and Ziegler, C., 2008, "A Nonisothermal PEM Fuel Cell Model Including Two Water Transport Mechanisms in the Membrane," ASME J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol., 5, p. 011007.
22. Chen, Y. S., and Peng, H., 2011, "Predicting Current Density Distribution of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells With Different Flow Field Designs," J. Power Sources, 196, pp. 1992-2004.
23. Peng, L., Mai, J., Hu, P., Lai, X., and Lin, Z., 2011, "Optimum Design of the Slotted-interdigitated Channels Flow Field for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with Consideration of the Gas Diffusion Layer Intrusion," Renewable Energy, 36, pp. 1413-1420.
24. Wang, X. D., Duan, Y. Y., Yan, W. M., and Peng, X. F., 2008, "Local Transport Phenomena and Cell Performance of PEM Fuel Cells with Various Serpentine Flow Field Designs," J. Power Sources, 175, pp. 397-407.
25. Kanezaki, T., Li, X., and Baschuk, J. J., 2006, "Cross-Leakage Flow Between Adjacent Flow Channels in PEM Fuel Cells," J. Power Sources, 162, pp. 415-425. (Pubitemid 44573776)
26. Pharoah, J. G., 2005, "Fluid Mechanics of Serpentine Flow Fields on a Porous Media," Int. J. Green Energy, 2, pp. 421-438.
27. Shi, Z., and Wang, X., 2008, "A Numerical Study of Flow Crossover between Adjacent Flow Channels in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell With Serpentine Flow Field," J. Power Sources, 185, pp. 985-992.
28. Oosthuizen, P. H., and Austin, M., 2005, "Channel-to-Channel Pressure Differences in Seprentine Minichannel Flow Systems," Microscale Thermophys. Eng., 9, pp. 49-61. (Pubitemid 40320312)
29. Kazim, A., Liu, H. T., and Forges, P., 1999, "Modelling of Performance of PEM Fuel Cells With Conventional and Interdigitated Flow Fields," J. Appl. Electrochem., 29, pp. 1409-1416. (Pubitemid 30546658)
30. Kazim, A., Forges, P., and Liu, H. T., 2003, "Effects of Cathode Operating Conditions on Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell With Interdigitated Flow Fields," Int. J. Energy Res., 27, pp. 401-414. (Pubitemid 36380776)
31. Hu, M., Gu, A., Wang, M., Zhu, X., and Yu, L., 2004, Three Dimensional, Two Phase Flow Mathematical Model for PEM Fuel Cell: Part I. Model Development," Energy Convers. Manage., 45, pp. 1861-1882.
32. Hu, M., Zhu, X., Wang, M., Gu, A., and Yu, L., 2004, "Three Dimensional, Two Phase Flow Mathematical Model for PEM Fuel Cell: Part II. Analysis and Discussion of the Internal Transport Mechanisms," Energy Convers. Manage., 45, pp. 1883-1916.
33. Ferng, Y. H., Su, A., and Lu, S. M., 2008, "Experiment and Simulation Investigations for Effects of Flow Channel Patterns on the PEMFC Performance," Int. J. Energy Res., 32, pp. 12-23.
34. Lobato, J., Cañizares, P., Rodrigo, M. A., Pinar, F. J., Mena, E., and U ́ beda, D., 2010, "Three-Dimensional Model of a 50 cm2 High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell. Study of the Flow Channel Geometry Influence," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 35, pp. 5510-5520.
35. Lobato, J., Cañizares, P., Rodrigo, M. A., Pinar, F. J., and U ́ beda, D., 2011, "Study of Flow Channel Geometry Using Current Distribution Measurement in a High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell," J. Power Sources, 196, pp. 4209-4217.
36. Jang, J. H., Yan, W. M., Li, H. Y., and Tsai, W. C., 2008, "Three-Dimensional Numerical Study on Cell Performance and Transport Phenomena of PEM Fuel Cells With Conventional Flow Fields," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 33, pp. 156-164.
37. Wang, X. D., Zhang, Z. Z., Yan, W. M., Lee, D. J., and Su, A., 2009, "Determination of the Optimal Active Area for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells With Parallel, Interdigitated or Serpentine Designs," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 34, pp. 3823-3832.
38. Li, H. Y., Weng, W. C., Yan, W. M., and Wang, X. D., 2011, "Transient Characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells With Different Flow Field Designs," J. Power Sources, 196, pp. 235-245.
39. Chen, F., Wen, Y. Z., Chu, H. S., Yan, W. M., and Soong, C. Y., 2004, "Convenient Two-Dimensional Model for Design of Fuel Channels for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," J. Power Sources, 128, pp. 125-134. (Pubitemid 41325674)
40. Sun, L., Oosthuizen, P. H., and McAuley, K. B., 2006, "A Numerical Study of Channel-to-Channel Flow Cross-Over Through the Gas Diffusion Layer in a PEM-Fuel-Cell Flow System Using a Serpentine Channel With Trapezoidal Cross-Sectional Shape," Int. J. Thermal Sci., 45, pp. 1021-1026.
41. Baschuk, J. J., and Li, X., 2009, "A Comprehensive, Consistent and Systematic Mathematical Model of PEM Fuel Cells," Appl. Energy, 86, pp. 181-193.
42. Liu, X. L., Tan, Y. W., Tao, W. Q., and He, Y. L., 2005, "A Hybrid Model of Cathode of PEM Fuel Cell Using the Interdigitated Gas Distributor," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 31, pp. 379-389.
43. Grujicic, M., Zhao, C. L., Chittajallu, K. M., and Ochterbeck, J. M., 2004, "Cathode and Interdigitated Air Distributor Geometry Optimization in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells," Materials Sci. Eng. B, 108, pp. 241-252.
44. Grujicic, M., and Chittajallu, K. M., 2004, "Design and Optimization of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells," Appl. Surf. Sci., 227, pp. 56-72.
45. Squadrito, G., Barbera, O., Giacoppo, G., Urbani, F., and Passalacqua, E., 2007, "Computer Aided Fuel Cell Design and Scale-up, Comparison Between Model and Experimental Results," J. Appl. Electrochem., 37, pp. 87-93. (Pubitemid 44957986)
46. Kumar, P. M., and Kolar, A. J., 2010, "Effect of Cathode Channel Dimensions on the Performance of an Air-Breathing PEM Fuel Cell," Int. J. Thermal Sci., 49, pp. 844-857.
47. Kumar, P. M. and Kolar, A. K., 2010, "Effect of Cathode Design on the Performance of an Air-Breathing Fuel Cell," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 35, pp. 671-681.
48. Zamel, N., and Li, X., 2008, "A Parametric Study of Multi-phase and Multispecies Transport in the Cathode of PEM Fuel Cells," Int. J. Energy Res., 32, pp. 698-721.
49. Zamel, N., and Li, X., 2010, "Non-isothermal Multi-phase Modeling of PEM Fuel Cell Cathode," Int. J. Energy Res., 34, pp. 568-584.
50. Wang, X. D., Yan, W. M., Duan, Y. Y., Weng, F. B., Jung, G. B., and Lee, C. Y., 2010, "Numerical Study on Channel Size Effect for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell With Serpentine Flow Field," Energy Convers. Manage., 51, pp. 959-968.
51. Yan, W. M., Liu, H. C., Soong, C. Y., Chen, F., and Cheng, C. H., 2006, "Numerical Study on Cell Performance and Local Transport Phenomena of PEM Fuel Cells With Novel Flow Field Designs," J. Power Sources, 161, pp. 907-919. (Pubitemid 44768011)
52. Wang, X. D., Huang, Y. X., Cheng, C. H., Jang, J. Y., Lee, D. J., Yan, W. M., and Su, A., 2010, "An Inverse Geometry Design Problem for Optimization of Single Serpentine Flow Field of PEM Fuel Cell," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 35, pp. 4247-4257.
53. Soong, C. Y., Yan, W. M., Tseng, C. Y., Liu, H. C., Chen, F., and Chu, H. S., 2005, "Analysis of Reactant Gas Transport in a PEM Fuel Cell With Partially Blocked Fuel Flow Channels," J. Power Sources, 143, pp. 36-47.
54. Su, A., Weng, F. B., Chi, P. H., Lu, S. M., Jung, G. B., Tu, C. H., and Ferng, Y. M., 2007, "Effect of Channel Step-Depth on the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Proc. Inst. Mechan. Eng. Part A, 221, pp. 617-625. (Pubitemid 47490298)
55. Perng, S. W., and Wu, H. W., 2011, "Non-isothermal Transport Phenomenon and Cell Performance of a Cathodic PEM Fuel Cell With a Baffle Plate in a Tapered Channel," Appl. Energy, 88, pp. 52-67.
56. Perng, S. W., Wu, H. W., Jue, T. C., and Cheng, K. C., 2009, "Numerical Predictions of a PEM Fuel Cell Performance Enhancement by a Rectangular Cylinder Installed Transversely in the Flow Channel," Appl. Energy, 86, pp. 1541-1554.
57. Thitakamol, V., Therdthianwong, A., and Therdthianwong, S., 2011, "Mid-baffle Interdigitated Flow Fields for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 36, pp. 3614-3622.
58. Bunmark, N., Limtrakul, S., Fowler, M. W., Vatanathan, T., and Gostick, J., 2010, "Assisted Water Management in a PEMFC With a Modified Flow Field and its Effect on Performance," Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 35, pp. 6887-6896.
59. Strickland, D. G., and Santiago, J. G., 2010, "In Situ-Polymerized Wicks for Passive Water Management in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," J. Power Sources, 195(6), pp. 1667-1675.
60. Lister, S., Buie, C. R., and Santiago, J. G., 2009, "Engineering Model for Coupling Wicks and Electroosmotic Pumps With Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells for Active Water Management," Electrochim. Acta, 54(26), pp. 6223-6233.
61. Khazaee, I., and Ghazikhani, M., 2011, "Performance Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell by Using Annular Shaped Geometry," J. Power Sources, 196, pp. 2661-2668.
62. Al-Baghdadi, M. A. R. S., 2008. "Studying the Effect of Material Parameters on Cell Performance of Tubular-Shaped PEM Fuel Cell," Energy Convers. Manage., 49, pp. 2986-2996.
63. Andrade, S. C., Guerrero, A. H., von Spakovsky, M. R., Ascencio, C. E. D., and Arana, J. C. R., 2010, "Current Density and Polarization Curves for Radial Flow Field Patterns Applied to PEMFCs (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells)," Energy, 35, pp. 920-927.
64. Walczyk, D. F., and Sangra, J. S., 2010, "A Feasibility Study of Ribbon Architecture for PEM Fuel Cells," ASME J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol., 7, pp. 051001.