Numerical and Experimental Verification of the Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Performances Enhanced by Under-Rib Convection

作者：Park K; Kim H M^*; Choi K S

来源：Fuel Cells, 2013, 13(5): 927-934.

DOI：10.1002/fuce.201200127

• Current Density Measurement
• Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
• Serpentine Flow Field
• Sub-Channels
• Under-Rib Convection

Understanding the current density distributions in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is crucial for designing cell components, such as the flow field of bipolar plates. A new serpentine flow field equipped with sub-channels and by-passes (SFFSB) was numerically and experimentally confirmed to enhance the reactant transport rates and liquid removal efficiency compared with a conventional advanced serpentine flow field (CASFF). Consequently, the maximum current and the power densities of the SFFSB were increased due to the promotion of under-rib convection. In this study, current density distributions are measured under transient conditions to verify the PEFC performances enhanced by under-rib convection. The current density distributions of the SFFSB are compared with those of the CASFF. The results show that the SFFSB has a higher local current density and a more uniform distribution than the CASFF, therefore, the PEFC performances with the new flow field of SFFSB is enhanced by the better current density distributions.

• 出版日期2013-10