| Research on the effect of flow channel geometry parameters on tapered parallel proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance |
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Zongxi Zhang, Xingru Liu, Zhike Sui, Yahong Li, Binbin Xu, Chuanzeng Song |
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School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China |
Correspondence:
Zongxi Zhang, Tel: +86-0531-86361369,
Email: zhangzongxi18@sdjzu.edu.cn
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Received: 17 September 2025 • Accepted: 13 November 2025 |
| Abstract |
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Previous research demonstrates that tapered flow channel configuration substantially improves the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) compared with traditional parallel channel under identical geometric constraints. Tapered flow channel promotes reactant flux homogeneity and convective transport efficacy, thereby accelerating liquid water removal dynamics and mitigating water accumulation. Consequently, the tapered flow channel elevates the electrochemical activity within catalyst layers and augmented the operational stability and power density of PEMFC systems. This investigation implements systematic adjustments of the geometric features of tapered parallel flow channels' with maintaining constant values for other operational variables. Specific combinations of inlet dimensions and rib width ratios (the ratio of channel width to rib width) are experimentally configured. The results indicate that tapered parallel flow channel substantially enhances reactant distribution, achieving the maximum power density of 0.36849 W·cm-2. The novel flow field design exhibits a 43.66% enhancement in performance relative to traditional parallel flow channels. Experimental data indicates that the optimized configuration, characterized by a 4-1 mm inlet dimension and a 2:1 ratio for channel ribs, achieves a 52% increase in current density compared to standard tapered parallel flow fields. |
| Keywords:
PEMFC, bipolar plate, tapered parallel |
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