Algorithm Optimization and Simulation Optimization of Flow Uniformity in Conventional Z Type Parallel Flow Field in the PEMFC

This paper employ algorithm optimization and simulation optimization to improve the uneven distribution of Z-parallel flow fields and the output performance of batteries. The optimization algorithm uses the tributary channel width as the optimization variable and the tributary channel flow variance as the fitness function. The optimization results show that the channel width reduces gradually from the inlet to the outlet direction. The relative flow rate of the first five flow channels increased by 14.4%, which increased the flow distribution uniformity in the flow field. However, the simulation results of the PEMFC model show that the optimized end ridge width increases, leading to the area of low oxygen concentration and low current density under the ridge increase, resulting in no significant increase in output performance. Finally, the flow field structure is optimized again by increasing the number of channels and adopting the trend of decreasing flow channels after optimization by the algorithm. The re-optimization results show that the performance of the re-optimization flow field is improved, and the ultimate current density is 11.37% higher than that of the traditional Z-type parallel flow field.