Title: A Finite Element Method analysis and optimisation of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with interdigitated flow field design

Authors: A.M. Morega, J.C. Ordonez, S. Kosaraju, J.V.C. Vargas

Addresses: Department of Electrical Engineering, POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, Bucharest 060042, Romania. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Advanced Power Systems, and Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Advanced Power Systems, and Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA. ' Departmento de Engenharia Mecanica, Universidade Federal do Parana, C.P. 19011, Curitiba, Parana 81531-990, Brazil

Abstract: Interdigitated polymer electrolyte fuel cells are particularly attractive due to the enhanced transport rates and benefits with respect to electrode flooding. A 2D isothermal model is used to simulate the outlining processes that occur at the elemental fuel cell level. A Finite Element Method analysis is conducted to simulate the flow and current density fields for different gas channel configurations. The main outcome of this study is the optimal size (width) of the interconnect plate shoulder that provides maximum electrical power output.

Keywords: polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells; interdigitated PEMFC; numerical simulation; shape; finite element method; FEM; FEA; optimisation; flow field design; current density; gas channel configurations; electrical power output.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2008.017032

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2008 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.112 - 123

Published online: 04 Feb 2008 *

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