Numerical analysis of the effect of configuration of flow channels on current distribution in high temperature proton exchange fuel cells
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In this study, the steady-state effects of bipolar plate flow-channel configuration in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) are investigated using the COMSOL® Multiphysics software. Particular emphasis is placed on the non-uniformity of current density across the membrane, as localized current hotspots can accelerate membrane and catalyst degradation, thereby reducing the operational lifetime of the fuel cell. Two flow-channel configurations are examined. The first employs bipolar plates with external manifolds, where multiple parallel channels are supplied with equal reactant flow rates. The second configuration consists of a single serpentine channel on each bipolar plate; for comparison, the total reactant flow rate is set equal to the cumulative flow rate of the parallel-channel configuration. The study compares current density distribution for different channel patterns and reactant flow orientations, while also analysing polarization behaviour, reactant and product species concentrations, and water distribution in both the anode and cathode compartments. The results indicate that a cross-flow channel configuration produces a significantly more uniform current density distribution than a parallel-flow configuration. This improved homogeneity is expected to reduce localized degradation and enhance the serviceability, durability and service life of HT-PEMFC systems.
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