Effect of Radial Plate Flow Field Distribution on Current Density in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell

摘要: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are promising candidates for power generation in transportation, portable, and stationary applications due to their high full partload efficiencies, low operating temperatures, densities, fast startups, potential system robustness. A vital component this new technology is the bipolar plate since it supplies oxidant, removes products of reaction, collects current produced, provides mechanical support stack. However, adds weight, volume, cost cell. way offset this, at least partially perhaps significantly, would be by improving flow field layout so that density cell or stack (parallel arrangement) improved. To end, paper proposes an innovative radial design which a three-dimensional model heat, mass, charge transport electrochemistry single has been developed solved via finite volume approach. This based on following supposition: steady state, isothermal, phase, isotropic materials mass transfer three directions. Predictions as well pressure losses, velocities, contours made presented.Copyright © 2007 ASME