Research on new flow channel design for improving water management ability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

In order to improve the performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the simulation experiments are carried out on the traditional straight channel, the cathode variable cross-section flow channel and the inclined cross-section flow channel model, respectively, and the calculation models of the three fuel cells are established at the same time. When the PEMFC humidity is 100%, the cathode variable-section flow channel has best drainage capacity. In terms of power density, the cathode variable cross-section flow channel is 3% higher than the cathode inclined cross-section flow channel. The difference between the three structures is small at medium current density and low current density, and the voltage loss of the cathode-to-interface flow channel is smallest at high current density. When the humidity of the PEMFC is 60%, the performance of the cathode variable cross-section flow channel and inclined cross-section flow channel are better than that of traditional direct flow channel. The power density of the cathode variable cross-section flow channel is 7.1% higher than that of the traditional direct flow channel. The power density of the cathode inclined cross-section flow channel is 4.2% higher than that of the traditional straight channel. The water management capability of the PEMFC can be significantly improved through the design of the flow channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]