Quantum mechanics

Diffusion layer

Engineering

Materials science

Chromatography

Cathode

Layer (electronics)

Gaseous diffusion

Fuel cells

Biochemistry

Chemical engineering

Mass transfer

Current (fluid)

Mechanical engineering

Thermodynamics

Physics

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Nuclear engineering

Membrane

Diffusion

Flow (mathematics)

Composite material

Chemistry

Channel (broadcasting)

Current density

Mechanics

Baffle

Electrical engineering

International Journal of Energy Research

Two kinds of innovative 3-dimensional (3D) proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathode flow channel designs were proposed to improve the water removal on the surface of gas diffusion layer and enhance mass transfer between flow channel and gas diffusion layer. A validated 2-phase volume of fluid model was used to investigate different water removal behaviors in flow channel. The optimal length of water baffle and other parameters of the proposed designs were determined. A validated 3D PEMFC performance model was adopted to assess the new designs. The results suggest that these 2 designs can improve PEMFC performance as to 9% when operating at the high current density because of the significant enhancement of mass transfer induced by air baffles.

Numerical investigation of innovative 3D cathode flow channel in proton exchange membrane fuel cell