Fuel Cell 3D Contour Simulation of Serpentine Flow Field Inside Cubic Channels

Abstract

In this study, we described the behavior of the serpentine flow field inside the fuel of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Pressure drop, inlet velocity, oxygen and gas diffusion layer (GDL), and current density determine the design of the fuel cell. The other parameters predicted in the open literature, such as temperature, humidity, etc., are not taken into account here. COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 Software was used to simulate and test the electrochemical reactions governing equations. Three inlet velocities and three of (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 m/sec) cubic channels are used to show the effect of a turbulent flow without wall slip. By analyzing the results, it can be concluded that the serpentine flow field enhances the performance of fuel cells with cubic channel geometry. We found a good correlation between the current density and cell voltage at different inlet velocities.