A novel design of distribution zone in scaled‐up <scp>PEM</scp> fuel cells based on active control of transverse flow

Abstract

Abstract The flow distribution is of significance to the fuel cell performance and durability, which has been studied from a theoretical and practical level in this work. The transverse‐flow‐control‐based mechanism behind flow distribution processes is revealed. The core lies in the reasonable generation and distribution of transverse flow, which are the prerequisite and co‐requisite for flow homogeneity. For the dual purpose, a novel design of combined‐mesh‐type distribution zone is proposed incorporating central horizontal meshes and lateral vertical meshes. The design philosophy and methodology are clarified. Under these guidelines, the novel distributor design is applied to different flow field plate geometries including the shorter distribution zone, higher expansion ratio, and scaled‐up fuel cell. Through organized and detailed simulations, two key geometrical parameters (porosities of central and lateral meshes) are quantified and the superior effect on flow distribution is validated.