Numerical Investigation on the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell With Zigzag Flow Channels

Reasonable flow channel designs play a significant role in improving the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The effect zigzag channels with three different numbers turns on PEMFC was investigated this paper. polarization curves, molar concentration oxygen and water, power density were analyzed, numerical results showed that overall significantly better than conventional parallel channel. With increase number from 3 to 9, gradually improved, diffusion capacity interface electrochemical reaction also promoted, low regions reduced. When current 8.85% higher at operating voltage 0.4 V, non-uniformity between gas layer (GDL) catalyst (CL) minimum value 0.51. In addition, water decreased. Due relatively large resistance channels, maximum pressure drop 263.5 Pa, which conducive improvement drainage channel, parasitic increased. 9-zigzag obtained net density, Pa 2995.6 W/m 2 , respectively.