Dual Optimization of Multi-Path Serpentine Flow Field Based Coolant Channels to Enhance Thermal Efficiency of Pemfc and Minimizing Pressure Drop

Abstract

Global demographic expansion and escalating energy demands, coupled with challenges of rising emissions, demand a paradigm shift from carbon-intensive energy systems to clean, green, and sustainable energy solutions. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as an incipient candidate for global energy shift with an exceptional efficiency, and zero emissions (producing only heat and water as the byproducts). However, to ensure maximum efficiency it is necessary to keep it operating at optimal temperature (70~80 ⁰C). Current study tended to optimize coolant channels (CCs) based on multi-path serpentine flow field (MPSFF) for achieving optimal performance of PEMFC. Six numerical models, all with distinct CCs with a fixed channel width of 1.5 mm and varying channel lengths, ranging from 2 to 12 channels (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) were studied to achieve an optimal channel count that achieves balance between effective thermal management and minimized pressure losses by using COMSOL 6.2. Results reflected that longer channel lengths with more serpentine turns caused maximum hot spots around turns and offered maximum pressure drop, whereas maximizing the number of channels resulted in uniform thermal distribution and offered minimum pressure drop due to shorter length of channels and fewer number of serpentine turns.

Keywords: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell, Vehicle Thermal Management, Coolant Flow Field, New Energy Vehicle, Renewable Energy