Numerical Analysis of Different Multi-serpentine Flow Fields for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The flow field on bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) plays a decisive role in cell performance. In this work, two compensated flow fields, termed separated multi-serpentine flow field and combined multi-serpentine flow field, were investigated to understand their effects on cell performance, flow uniformity and water removal capability. The results show that the compensated flow fields can significantly enhance flow uniformity and cross-flow under the rib, compared with the conventional multi-serpentine one, resulting in even distribution of current density. Furthermore, the combined multi-serpentine flow field shows more uniform distribution of current density and stronger water removal capability than the separated one, because it combines the entrance parts and exit parts of the channels.