Stamped vs. milled: Analyzing the impact of flow channel geometry on PEM fuel cell performance

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60461373%3A22310%2F24%3A43928810" target="_blank" >RIV/60461373:22310/24:43928810 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

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DOI - Digital Object Identifier

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Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Stamped vs. milled: Analyzing the impact of flow channel geometry on PEM fuel cell performance

Original language description

Bipolar plates (BPs) are one of the key PEM fuel cell components from the point of view of performance and capital invest-ment. Stamped metallic BPs are a more conductive, stronger, lighter, and easily manufactured alternative to polymer-carboncomposite BPs. On the other hand, a different cross-sectional geometry of the flow field distribution channels resulting fromdifferent production technologies used needs to be explored. In this work, mathematical modelling is employed to investigatedifferences in the performance, reactant and current density distribution of PEM fuel cells with milled channels and stampedBPs.A three-dimensional, stationary, and isothermal model was developed. The model describes mass and charge transport, fluidflow in a porous environment and a free channel volume, and multicomponent transport in a single cell of a low-temperaturePEM FC. A parametrical study was used to vary two geometric parameters – the width of the channel and the width of the ribs– in a straight and serpentine channel.The results show that the stamped channels exhibit a higher mass transfer limitation compared to the milled ones. Optimisingthe geometry parameters, particularly the channel and rib widths, effectively mitigates this negative aspect. Additionally, dueto higher flux in porous layers, serpentine channels exhibited less transport polarisation compared to straight channels.In conclusion, this study underscores the viability of stamped metallic BPs in PEM fuel cells, balancing manufacturing ease withperformance considerations.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

O - Miscellaneous

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

10405 - Electrochemistry (dry cells, batteries, fuel cells, corrosion metals, electrolysis)

Project

<a href="/en/project/TO01000306" target="_blank" >TO01000306: Research and development of an innovative corrosion resistant coating for bipolar plates for energy conversion devices</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)

Publication year

2024

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů