Enhanced gas flow uniformity across parallel channel cathode flow field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Distributing reactant gases uniformly within a cell to ensure proper delivery of reactants is one the crucial requirements for better performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). This investigation was focused on enhancing flow uniformity and distribution of cathode air in parallel channel flow field of a fuel cell. 2D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations (i.e. using ANSYS) were performed to solve continuity and momentum equations across the cathode flow field. Two main designs with modified headers that provide (i) Z-type, and (ii) combination of Z and U-types parallel channel configurations, were investigated for uniform distribution of gases. Our presented designs were able to allow 60-70% of total flow through frontal 80% of total gas flow field area which was just reversed case compared to conventional design where nearly 80% of flow passes through 20% of total area at the end portion of the gas flow field. Further improvement in flow distributions was observed by segmenting the flow field.