Performance Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell by a New Coupling Channel in Bipolar Plate

Qingsong Song, Shuochen Yang, Hongtao Li (), Yunguang Ji, Dajun Cai, Guangyu Wang and Yuan Liufu
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Qingsong Song: School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
Shuochen Yang: School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
Hongtao Li: School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
Yunguang Ji: School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
Dajun Cai: School of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
Guangyu Wang: School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
Yuan Liufu: School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: The geometric design of flow channels in bipolar plates is one of the critical features of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as it determines the power output of the fuel cell and has a significant impact on its performance and durability. The function of the bipolar plate is to guide the transfer of reactant gases to the gas diffusion layer and catalytic layer inside the PEMFC, while removing unreacted gases and gas–liquid byproducts. Therefore, the design of the bipolar plate flow channel is directly related to the water and thermal management of the PEMFC. In order to improve the comprehensive performance of PEMFCs and ensure their safe and stable operation, it is necessary to design the flow channels in bipolar plates rationally and effectively. This study addresses the limitations of existing bipolar plate flow channels by proposing a new coupling of serpentine and radial channels. The distribution of oxygen, water concentrations, and temperature inside the channel is simulated using the multi-physics simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0. The performance of this novel design is compared with conventional flow channels, with a particular focus on the pressure drop and current density to evaluate changes in the output performance of the PEMFC. The results show that the maximum current density of this novel design is increased by 67.36% and 10.43% compared to straight channel and single serpentine channels, respectively. The main contribution of this research is the innovative design of a new coupling of serpentine and radial channels in bipolar plates, which improves the overall performance of the PEMFC. This study provides theoretical support for the design of bipolar plate flow channels in PEMFCs and holds significant importance for the green development of energy.

Keywords: PEMFC; bipolar plate; channel design; current density; polarization curve (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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