Numerical studies of effect of interdigitated flow field outlet channel width on PEM fuel cell performance

Abstract As an extremely important component, flow field plays an important role in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. In this study, a two-dimensional model of interdigitated flow field was developed to simulate the effect of outlet channel width on PEM fuel cell performance using COMSOL Multiphysics, and the simulated results coincided accurately with the experimental results. From the results, the PEM fuel cell performance with narrower outlet channel width was better than that with conventional outlet channel width, since the molarity distribution of oxygen in the porous medium and the electrolyte current density distribution at the membrane cross section were more uniform, and the drainage capacity was stronger. The simulated results have certain reference significance for the design and optimization of interdigitated flow field.