The effect of baffle blocks in flow channel to proton exchange membrane fuel cell characteristics

This thesis covers the simulation and the comparison of the simulation data in the literature of single-cell proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with baffle-blocked flow field designs using Fluent PEMFC module. The PEMFC is made up of nine layers which consist four layers for the anode and cathode sides; current collector, gas channel gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer, and the membrane between the anode and cathode. Simulation results are presented at the inlet, middle and exit sections of the PEMFC for the parameters of pressure, molar fractions of species; H2, O2 and H2O, electrical potantial, current density and velocity. Polarization curves are formed for each cases investigated and the effects of parameters on the polarization curves are analysed. Besides, polarization curves are constructed and compared with the numerical and experimental results for six cases to validate the model.