Numerical Studies on PEM Fuel Cell with Different Landing to Channel Width of Flow Channel

Abstract Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a promising power generating device with high efficiency, zero emissions and working at atmospheric temperature and pressure. The performance of the fuel cell is highly influenced by the operating parameters like temperature, pressure, humidity and mass flow rates of reactant gases; and the design parameters like flow channel designs and dimensions, rib size, channel length, thickness and porosity of GDL, membrane type etc. In this paper, the effects of different Landing to Channel (LxC) width of flow channel were studied numerically. The full three-dimensional models of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell have been developed with a constant channel length of 20 mm and with different Landing to Channel width (LxC) in mm of 0.5x0.5, 1x1, 1.5x1.5, 2x2. While operating the fuel cell at different voltages, the current density values were obtained and the polarization and power density curves were drawn. From the results, it was found that the PEMFC with landing to channel width of 0.5x0.5 mm has generated a high current density and high power density compared to other three designs. Also it was found that the smaller width of landing and channels are required for high current density and power density outputs of the PEMFC due to the better water management.