Effect of Manifold and Distributor Dimensions on Flow Characteristics in PEM Fuel Cell Stack

Abstract

The dimensions of the manifold and distributor in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack play a crucial role in determining the flow characteristics, which can significantly impact the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell stack. In the present study, the velocity distribution, pressure drop in both manifold and distributor is numerically studied on anode side of a 5 cell stack with serpentine channel design. Four study cases with different manifold diameter and distributor width named as 4 mm x 2mm (case 1), 4 mm x 3 mm (case 2), 6mm x 2 mm (case 3) and 6 mm x 3 mm (case 4) is considered for the evaluation. Among the designs, the case 3 manifold and distributor combo delivered better velocity and pressure drop across the flow field. The equal velocity at the distributor entrance and flow channel entrance made the flow uniform throughout the channels in the active area.