Investigation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with 3D oblique prism block flow channel design

The flow channel structure is a key core component in the fuel cell, which affects the performance of the fuel cell by affecting the distribution of the reaction gas and liquid water. To solve the problem of liquid water accumulation in the contact area between the flow channel and the ridge in the single flow channel of the fuel cell, a three-dimensional oblique prism flow channel was designed, and its three-dimensional structure and quantity layout was optimized, inspired by the principle of field cooperation and waveform flow field structure. Through these optimization measures, the goal of accelerating the flow of directional guiding gas to the side wall of the flow channel is successfully achieved, and the hydrophobicity of the flow channel wall is also improved. Compared with the straight channel, the liquid water saturation of the OPB-IV flow channel with N = 9 in the flow channel and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) was reduced by 62.7%, and the oxygen molar concentration at the interface between the GDL and the catalytic layer was increased by 19.1%. In addition, we analyzed the influence of inlet humidity on the performance of fuel cells. These optimization measures are essential for improving the performance of fuel cells, reducing costs, and promoting the development of green energy.