On the relative influence of convection in serpentine flow fields of PEM fuel cells

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 161; no. 1; pp. 404 - 412
• Main Authors: Feser, J.P., Prasad, A.K., Advani, S.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.10.2006; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Channel bypass; Convection–diffusion; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Flow field; Fuel cells; GDL; PEM; Serpentine; Serpentine; PEM; Convection–diffusion; Channel bypass; Flow field; GDL; Gaseous diffusion; Polymer electrolytes; Convection flow; Convection-diffusion; Activation; Operating conditions; Gas permeability; Kinetics; Catalyst; Fuel cell

In polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, power losses associated with slow reaction kinetics and mass-transport limits can be strongly influenced by convective flow characteristics. Specifically, convection in the form of channel bypass may be utilized to simultaneously increase reactant concentr...