High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Optimization of Flow Channel Geometry

Abstract

Several groups are studying and researching major factors which influence high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. These factors include material type, temperature, and fuel cell lifespan. Only a few groups research the optimization of the size of the fuel channels within the fuel cell. For channel optimization, a model was created to find the optimum flow channel and rib widths. The approach used was to code the losses due to activation, concentration, and ohmic polarizations to yield the fuel cell voltage and power expected from the fuel cell itself. The model utilizes the specified cell parameters including the material properties, fuel cell temperature, and channel size. This method gives an initial view of how a fuel cell will perform given specific parameters. It is not limited to one fuel cell size, allowing future research efforts to utilize this model to optimize flow channels in a variety of fuel cells.