Numerical study of optimized three-dimension novel Key-shaped flow field design for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Key-shaped three-dimension (3D) flow field channel is designed to improve the performance and mass transfer of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). This study comprehensively analyses the impacts on the performance and mass transfer of the flow channel from multiple dimensions such as the size, shape, and placement of the blocks. In comparison with the conventional straight single flow field channel, the new channel with rectangular blocks can effectively improve performance by 30%. Semi-elliptical and quarter-elliptical blocks are designed to make forced convection and increase the diffusion area of oxygen. The results indicate that the flow velocity in the Z-axis direction can be increased to 0.08–0.2 m/s due to the narrow space formed by variable cross-sections. In conclusion, the Key-shaped design has a potential to improve the performance of mass transfer in the cathode channel, providing a new strategy for the development of flow field design in PEMFC field.