Evaluating the enhanced performance of a novel wave-like form gas flow channel in the PEMFC using the field synergy principle

This study performs numerical simulations to evaluate the convective heat transfer performance and velocity flow characteristics of a novel gas flow channel with a wave-like form designed to enhance the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). To restrict the current simulations to two-dimensional incompressible flows, the flow regime is assumed to be laminar with a low Reynolds number of approximately 200. The numerical results show that compared to a conventional straight gas flow channel, the wave-like geometry of the proposed gas flow channel increases the mean Nusselt number by a factor of approximately two. Furthermore, the periodic wave-like structure increases the gas flow velocity in the channel and hence improves the catalysis reaction performance in the catalyst layer. Finally, the results show that the wave-like geometry of the gas flow channel reduces the included angle between the velocity vector and the temperature gradient. Hence, the present numerical results are consistent with the field synergy principle, which states that the convective heat transfer is enhanced when the velocity vector and temperature gradient are closely aligned with one another. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.