Natural-forced cooling and Monte-Carlo multi-objective optimization of mechanical and thermal characteristics of a bipolar plate for use in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) (as they operate below 100 C) must be heated when operating. The heating must be controlled not to damage the fuel cell. On the other hand, pressure from the plates and connections can cause stress and displacement. This study aimed to examine cooling, stress, and displacement from a bipolar plate under different ambient conditions (natural and forced cooling). To minimize temperature, stress, and displacement, multi-objective optimization is carried out under different conditions and the best thickness and number of plates are determined. Findings suggest as the number and thickness of bipolar plates increase, their temperature decreases. Also, using forced cooling, the temperature can reduce to more than 30 K. Moreover, optimization results can include the best temperature, minimum stress, and displacement to increase the life of the bipolar plate. Findings also suggested that natural cooling can be used to significantly increase the temperature of the bipolar plate in less time, which, however, may produce hazards to the system. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study examined cooling, stress, and displacement of bipolar plates of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells under different ambient conditions, and carried out multi-objective optimization to determine the best thickness and number of plates. Findings showed that increasing the number and thickness of bipolar plates can reduce temperature, with forced cooling reducing temperature by over 30 K, and natural cooling increasing temperature faster but potentially causing hazards to the system.