Pressure Map Sensitivity Analysis of Open Cathode Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
摘要
Focus on hydrogen technology is increasing for the past couple of years as it is seen as a potential tool for decreasing carbon emissions in serious amounts. Fuel cells are spreading as feasible options for electrical energy generation from hydrogen fuel, but major effort for fuel cell development appeared just somewhat in the past two decades. Since then, significant research work has been put in fuel cell propulsion system development for achieving higher efficiencies and greater market share. One, if not the greatest driving factor of fuel cell efficiency is the smooth and high rate of distribution of reactant gases, that can be proportionally inferred from the pressure distribution on the electrolyte surface. In this article, the interdigitated flow field concept is analysed by the modification of its geometry to have a deeper understanding on the effect of fluid flow channel geometry on the pressure distribution experienced on the electrochemically active surface of the MEA by FEA. According to the results, the interdigitated concept gives multiple times higher average pressure distribution on the MEA surface in comparison with the conventional single serpentine geometry on the cost of pressure drop increase, but this can be heavily influenced by the exact flow channel geometry variances. The current analysis is yet to consider the electrochemical reactions and power generation but focuses on the general flow distribution characteristics comparing different geometries. Pressure map characteristics and pressure drop variances are given in the result discussion.