Numerical Simulation of Flow Through Microchannels in Bipolar Plate

Abstract

In this paper, the flow through a serpentine microchannel with obstructions on wall is studied. Various obstruction geometries ranging from rectangular to triangular are considered. For each geometry pressure drop across single obstruction is studied at various Reynolds numbers. Also the effect of obstruction height on the pressure drop is investigated. A parametric study is conducted for different obstruction heights, geometries and Reynolds numbers. NOMENCLATURE µ Viscosity of liquid ρ Density of liquid u Velocity component in x-direction * Corresponding Author v Velocity component in y-direction P Pressure H obs Height of obstruction l 1 Streamwise length of obstruction at top l 2 Streamwise length of obstruction at bottom L 1 Length of longer section of channel L 2 Length of shorter section of channel Re Reynolds number

Pressure data for various flow channels in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell

“…It is thought that hydrogen consumption at the anode, and oxy-gen consumption and water generation at the cathode, con-tribute to the decrease in density leading to the reduction in the friction factor when an electrochemical reaction occurs. This result shows a trend very similar to Yuan's work [8], which dealt with mass transfer effects on fRe using numerical calculation. Variation in the friction factor along the flow axis for a bended flow channel is presented in Fig.…”

An investigation of convective transport in micro proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

“…Hence, the flow through microchannels with serpentine bends needs to be investigated. The present authors have studied flow through serpentine microchannels with designed roughness in two dimensions [5] and three dimensions [6]. For serpentine flow fields in presence of a porous layer, the fluid has two different paths for convection from the inlet to the exit of the channel.…”

Thermal Properties of Epoxy Based Expanded Graphite Composite for Bipolar Plate of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

“…Graphite/polymer composite for bipolar plate could meet requirement of low cost, high flexibility and light weight and gas flow channels can be molded directly into the surface on the plate [5]. Resin reinforced graphite bipolar plate has been used in PEMFC by good electrical conductivity and lower density than metal plates [6][7][8][9]. But the higher manufacturing costs because of machining the gas flow channels into the graphite plate are serious restriction for electrical vehicles.…”