several non-uniform flow channel structures with alternating
gradient
trumpet
and dispersed types were proposed in this paper. By establishing a three-dimensional isothermal steady-state PEMFC simulation model
the effects of non-uniform flow channels on the mass transfer characteristics and output performance of PEMFCs were analyzed. The results show that compared to the conventional serpentine flow channel
non-uniform designs can effectively improve the transport and distribution of reactant gases and products within the flow channel
enhance the electrochemical reaction process
and achieve higher membrane current densities. Furthermore
these designs can better balance transport performance and pressure loss matching
effectively improving the energy utilization efficiency of PEMFCs. Specifically
the MD-Ⅵ flow channel increases the peak current density of PEMFCs by 10.2% and the peak power density by 14.2%. The non-uniform designs are expected to provide more ideas for the innovation and optimization of PEMFC flow channel structures.
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