Progressive topology-curvature optimization of flow channel for PEMFC and performance assessment

Abstract

The curved bending regions of serpentine flow channels play a crucial role in mass transfer and the overall performance of the flow field in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This paper proposes a “2D Topology-Curvature Optimization” progressive design method to optimize the bend area structures, aiming to enhance PEMFC performance. Through numerical simulations, it compares the topology-curvature optimization model with both the algorithm-based optimization model and a validation model, and analyzes the mass transfer, heat transfer characteristics, and output performance of PEMFC under different flow fields. The results indicate that the optimized structures improve convection and diffusion within the flow field, effectively enhancing the transport and distribution of oxygen and water within the PEMFC. Performance improvements, ranked from highest to lowest, are TS-III > MD-G (Model-GA) > MD-P (Model-PSO) > TS-II > TS-I. Among the optimized models, TS-III (Topology Structure-III) exhibits the greatest increases in peak current density and peak power density, with improvement of 4.72% and 3.12%, respectively. When considering the relationship between performance improvement and pressure drop using the efficiency evaluation criterion (EEC), TS-II demonstrates the best overall performance.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) / structural topology / curvature design / progressive optimization / output performance / computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

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