Design and Study of Wave Flow Field in Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Hao Xing *
School of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou-450000, China.
Pengyan Guo
School of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou-450000, China.
Ningkang Bian
School of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou-450000, China.
Wanxiang Yin
School of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou-450000, China.
Jiabao Wei
School of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou-450000, China.
Jiale Peng
School of Mechanical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou-450000, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an efficient energy conversion device that converts hydrogen and oxygen directly into electricity through a chemical reaction. In PEMFC, the bipolar plate plays a crucial role, responsible for the collection and transfer of current and the distribution of reactant gases. The wave flow channel bipolar plate is a new design designed to improve the performance of the battery, including enhancing the mass transfer efficiency and reducing the pressure drop. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of other flow channels, this paper analyzes the conclusion that the wave flow field is more prominent in the comprehensive aspect. It is observed that the wave flow field can effectively increase the length of the flow path and improve the distribution of reactant gas by comparing the traditional flow path with the wavy flow path.
Keywords: Fuel cell, hydrogen, wavy runner, bipolar plate