Optimized flow field bipolar plate design in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) performance is related to the bipolar plate design and their channels pattern. To study the effect of these parameters on output performance, four design were prepared: (i) Twin Vertical serpentine, (ii) Multiple Horizontal serpentine, (iii) Large channel parallel, and (iv) Pin flow field. Results shows that Multiple Horizontal serpentine produced highest output current and better thermal stability. Reason for these improvement are mainly due its ability to induces large pressure drop between adjacent flow channels over the entire electrode surface. Thus, it increase mass transport rates of reactants and reduce the amount liquid water that is entrapped. It was found that, after load 15A from the cell, this flow field produced 0.594V, higher output was obtained as compared to other design measured at 38.6°C.