Numerical simulation of a new operational regime for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell

A quasi-3D (Q3D) numerical simulation of a gas feed direct methanol fuel cell is performed. On both sides of the cell the flow field is formed by three parallel meander-like channels. It is shown that reduction of pressure in the middle channel on the cathode side leads to significant flux of water vapor to this channel without degradation of cell performance. At high current densities the channel with reduced pressure serves as collector of excessive water, which may prevent cell flooding.