Researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, led by Professor Tianyou Wang, have proposed a novel design for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) that aims to enhance their performance and durability. The team, which includes Wei Gao, Qifeng Li, Kai Sun, Rui Chen, and Zhizhao Che, has published their findings in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising technology for clean energy generation, particularly for applications like electric vehicles and stationary power generation. However, their widespread adoption has been hindered by challenges related to mass transfer and water management. In conventional PEMFC designs, the accumulation of liquid water under the ribs of the flow field can impede oxygen transport, leading to excessive concentration loss and reduced cell performance.
To address this issue, the researchers proposed a composite foam-rib flow field structure that combines a metal foam flow field with the conventional rib flow field. This design aims to improve oxygen transfer and water removal capabilities under the ribs. Using a three-dimensional homogeneous non-isothermal numerical model, the team simulated the performance of the composite foam-rib flow field under various conditions.
The results of the simulations showed that the composite foam-rib flow field could indeed enhance cell performance. By improving oxygen concentration and current density without increasing pumping power, the new design demonstrated higher peak power density and limiting current density compared to the conventional rib flow field. Specifically, the optimal composite foam-rib flow field design, with a metal foam filling ratio of 0.75 and porosity of 0.85, achieved a 5.20% increase in peak power density and a 22.68% increase in limiting current density.
This research highlights the potential of innovative flow field designs to overcome some of the key challenges facing PEMFC technology. By enhancing mass transfer and water management, the composite foam-rib flow field could contribute to the development of more efficient and durable fuel cells, bringing us closer to a future powered by clean, renewable energy. The practical applications of this research could be significant for the energy sector, particularly in industries where PEMFCs are being considered for large-scale deployment, such as transportation and energy storage.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.