Large Scale 3D Flow Distribution Analysis in HTPEM Fuel Cells

C. Siegel[1][2], G. Bandlamudi[1][2], N. van der Schoot[1], and A. Heinzel[1][2]
[1]Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik GmbH, Duisburg, Germany
[2]Institut für Energie- und Umweltverfahrenstechnik, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Published in 2009

Accurate bipolar-plate and flow-field layout is one crucial task for optimizing fuel cells. These cell components perform several functions, including charge transport or gas and water transport throughout the cell just to name a few. Overall, the design depends on the fuel cell application or the geometrical size of the assembly. The requirements for a flow-field used in a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell (operated at temperatures around 130-180°C) differ from the ones that are important for polymer electrolyte membrane (LTPEM) fuel cells, mainly operated around 80°C. In a HTPEM fuel cell, liquid product water is not present during operation, thus porous media flooding is less of a concern. Nevertheless, large quantities gradients should be avoided. Uniform fluid-flow is of utmost importance.

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