Investigation, Analysis and Optimization of PEMFC Channel Cross-Section Shape

Abstract

In this study, a three-dimensional (CFD) model is employed to simulate and optimize the CCS (Channel Cross-Section) shape of the single straight channel PEMFC. Four CCS shapes, namely trapeze, inverted trapeze, half of ellipse and inverted half of ellipse, are investigated using ANSYS-FLUENT software and compared to the rectangular and triangular CCS shapes. The results obtained from the simulation are compared to the experimental results of the literature. A good agreement is observed between the numerical and experimental results. From the obtained results, it appears that the best delivered power density is reported by the trapeze CCS configuration, whereas, the worst delivered power density is obtained by the inverted half of ellipse CCS configuration. The highest pressure-drop and pumping power are obtained with the triangular CCS configuration and the smallest are resulted by the rectangular CCS configuration. Finally, the highest net power output is reported by the trapeze channel cross-section configuration, while, the lowest one is yielded by the inverted half of ellipse CCS configuration.

Channel-to-Rib Width Ratio Optimization for the Electrical Performance Enhancement in PEMFC Based on Accurate Strain-Stress Simulation

“…In rectangular GC, a = b = c = 1 mm. In trapezoidal GC, the area of GC is 1 mm 2 [35]. The height of rectangular and trapezoidal GC is equal.…”

“…The material properties of the PEMFC component are shown in Table 1 [21,33,35]. The conservation of volume force is described by Equation (3).…”

“…In addition, the thermal conductivity of compressed GDL is determined by Equation (34), where k uncomp,GDL is the thermal conductivity of uncompressed GDL. The porosity of compressed GDL is determined by Equation (35), where ε GDL is the porosity of uncompressed GDL [5]. The gas permeability of compressed GDL is determined by the Carmen-Kozeny equation as formulated by Equation (36), where D r = 7 × 10 −6 and C k = 6.…”

Multi-Zone Energy Performance Assessment of Algerian Social Housing Using a Parametric Approach

“…They will account for 30-40% of total energy usage by 2050 [1]. The European Union wants to see a climate-neutral Europe with no net emissions of green gases, as does Algeria, and like many countries in the world, the energy consumption of the residential sector is constantly increasing, reaching about 42% to 44% of total consumption in 2020 [2,3], 70% of which is for heating and air conditioning [4]. This is why the residential sector must save 30 million TEP (tons of equivalent petroleum) from 2016 to 2030 [5].…”