Enhancing heat transfer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells through obstructed cooling channels: A comprehensive study

In response to the rising power density in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, efficient thermal management is critical. This study addresses challenges related to non-uniform temperature distribution and heat dissipation by introducing a novel cooling channel design featuring asteroidal obstacles. These obstacles disrupt the laminar flow of water, enhancing heat transfer when arranged in a cross-distribution pattern. Optimal heat transfer occurs with obstacles measuring 0.6 mm in length, 0.6 mm in width, and 0.2 mm in height. Compared to a smooth channel, this design improves heat transfer performance by 20.07 %, reducing the average highest membrane temperature by 2.954 K and lowering the average temperature difference across the membrane by 3.323 K. As a result, the net power increased by 8.7 %. Our findings pave the way for advanced cooling channel designs in high-power density proton exchange membrane fuel cells, offering a promising solution for efficient thermal management.