Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) not only provide rapid dynamic response but also operate at low temperatures, which are desirable characteristics for transportation applications. However, metal bipolar plates in PEMFCs often deform under excessive clamping pressure, resulting in uneven pressure distribution. Rib-stiffened channels have been proposed to increase the structural stiffness of the bipolar plates, promoting durability. Parametric studies reveal that the supporting walls formed by the rib structure and a reduced top surface area contribute to better resistance against clamping force. Structural analysis and experimental assessments have confirmed the effectiveness of rib-stiffened channels in mitigating deformation. To ensure uniform compression of the gas diffusion layer during bolt assembly, a combined straight and rib-stiffened flow field has been designed and validated through structural simulations. Rib structures do not compromise fuel cell performance, as proved by computational fluid dynamics simulation with electrochemical reaction.
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This work was supported by Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (20009835 and RS-2022-00156525) and Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (20203010030010).
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Choeun Kim is a research fellow at the Institute of Engineering at the University of Seoul, Korea. She received her Master’s in Mechanical and Information Engineering from the University of Seoul. Her research interests include the analysis of electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and electrolysis, using computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and electrochemical experiments.
Seoungsu Im is a research fellow at the Institute of Engineering at the University of Seoul, Korea. He received his Master’s in Mechanical and Information Engineering from the University of Seoul. His research interests include the analysis of electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and electrolysis, using computational fluid dynamics.
Youngseung Na is an Associate Professor of Mechanical and Information Engineering at the University of Seoul, Korea. He received his Dr.-Ing. degree in Mechanical Engineering from TU Braunschweig and International Max Planck Research School, Germany. His research interests include electrochemical systems such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and electrochemical hydrogen compressors.
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Kim, C., Im, S. & Na, Y. Robust channel structures of proton exchange membrane fuel cells for uniform clamping pressure to gas diffusion layers. J Mech Sci Technol 38, 3817–3827 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-024-0650-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-024-0650-7