Abstract:
This work centres on comprehending and elevating the performance of Proton
Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells, with a specific emphasis on
minimizing pressure drop in the bipolar plate. Fuel cell efficiency hinges upon
core factors, including electrochemical reaction, temperature, and pressure
management. Notably, pressure drop within the fuel cell plays a pivotal role in
determining overall efficiency and power output.
The study aims to tackle the pressing issue of pressure drop, primarily
manifested in the bipolar plate, profoundly affecting the fuel cell's output power.
Researchers have pursued ground-breaking designs to curtail pressure drop
and augment power output. However, certain advanced designs pose
challenges in fabrication, leading to a research gap impeding the development
of efficient models. To bridge this gap, the study proposes a novel and
straightforward bipolar plate design, demanding minimal external power and
eliminating the need for intricate geometries.
Furthermore, apart from pressure drop, fuel cell inefficiencies are compounded
by obstacles like inadequate meshing and porosity integrity of the end plates.
Consequently, costly platinum and gold-plated end plates are often deployed to
achieve superior output performance. The research reveals that velocity
variations influence pressure within existing models, furnishing valuable insights
for attaining improved efficiencies in fuel cells.
The work presents a comprehensive analysis of PEM fuel cells, with particular
attention to the bipolar plate's design and its ramifications on pressure drop.
The proposed novel geometry aims to enhance fuel cell performance while
addressing challenges linked to complex designs. The research findings offer
valuable recommendations for optimizing fuel cell efficiencies, thereby
contributing to the advancement of clean energy technologies.
