Modeling and simulation of novel bio-emulated flow field with improved branch channels on PEMFC performance

The channel geometry of the bipolar plate in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) significantly influences its performance. In this study, a bio-emulated flow field (BEFF) pattern in the bipolar plate was used based on the external carotid artery design with its branches. A comprehensive investigation was conducted using a three-dimensional (3-D) multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model on bio-emulated flow fields with branch channels of zero (BE-0), six (BE-6), and ten (BE-10). The results obtained were compared with traditional parallel flow fields (TPFF) and traditional serpentine flow fields (TSFF). The BE-10 results showed reduced pressure drop, uniform distribution of reactants, and higher power output compared with other configurations. The peak power density of BE-10 surpassed that of TPFF by approximately 45.07% and exceeded BE-0 by 10.39%. The novel BEFF structure with an increase in branch channels showed that the reactants, temperature, and static pressure distribution are more uniform with better water management.