Exergetic Comparison of Various Flow Patterns in PEMFCs

Abstract

Energy need of the civilized world is ever increasing, and as such, the subject of energy production from renewable energy sources is gaining popularity in scientific studies. Amongst these studies are the researches on fuel cell systems. In this study, the flow channels of the “proton exchange membrane” (PEM) type fuel cell were designed, modelled, and studies were conducted on three-dimensional channels of various designs via Comsol Multiphysics simulation software, with hopes to contribute to the renewable energy solutions. Proposed fuel cell designs and geometries of flow channels were compared to existing fuel cells’ with exergetically efficient designs, in terms of total exergy efficiency. Exergy efficiency analysis was conducted on the membrane surfaces of the proposed flow channels. Anode and cathode side exergy analyses, polarization curve of the system, voltage, current and produced power parameter results were also inspected. 

Keywords

• Fuel Cell,PEM,Comsol Multiphysics,Modeling and Simulation,Flow Plates,exergy

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