Effects of the membrane thickness and ionomer volume fraction on the performance of PEMFC with U-shaped serpentine channel. (17th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohanty, Surajeet; Desai, Akshaykumar N.; Singh, Suneet; Ramadesigan, Venkatasailanathan; M, Shaneeth
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 39(2021)
• Page Start: 20650
• Page End: 20663
• Publication Date: 2021-06-17
• Subjects: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell -- Ionomer volume fraction -- Gas diffusion layer -- COMSOL model -- Polarization curve; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.03.252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A three-dimensional, multi-component, single-phase model is applied for analyzing the electrochemical performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with U-shaped channel using COMSOL Multiphysics software. To validate the numerical model, the results are compared with the experimental data available in the literature. This work numerically investigates the effects of convection and diffusion under the rib, membrane thickness, ionomer content, and current density distribution at an interface between the gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer. These effects were not studied for a U-shaped single serpentine channel despite having several benefits such as uniform reactant distribution through convection and diffusion under the rib and the resulting uniform current generation. A total of three membranes with 2, 3.5, and 5 mil thicknesses are analyzed, and an improvement of 17% in PEMFC performance with 2 mil thickness is observed owing to a decrease in internal resistance compared to 3.5 and 5 mil. Furthermore, an ionomer volume fraction in the catalyst layer is varied from 0.3 to 0.6, and the performance enhancement of 7% is reported at 0.5 volume fraction. Highlights: PEMFC is numerically analyzed with a U-shaped channel. Convection under the rib is found to be more prominent in anode. Current density peak is observed near the channel – rib junction. Improved flow channel design using current density distribution at multiple locations. Performance comparison with optimal membrane thickness and ionomer volume fraction.