Numerical predictions of performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell with baffle(s)-blocked flow field designs

Abstract

In this study, we propose a configuration of partially blocked oxidant channel with baffle plate(s) transversely inserted in the cathode channel and their effect on the oxygen transport and fuel cell performance is investigated. In order to investigate the effects of the selected shape, size and the number of baffles on the oxygen transport in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and fuel cell performance a numerical modeling is carried out in 27 cases. With the consideration of both maximum oxygen concentration in the GDL and reasonable pressure drop criterions, the results indicate that in all cases, an increase in baffle height is more effective than an increase in number of baffle plates. Also, installing many large rectangular baffles seem quite appropriate, but when there is restriction in securing pressure in fuel cell, installing the semicircle baffle is better than the rectangular one. © 2014 World Scientific Publishing Company.