Numerical investigation of PEMFC performance based on different multistage serpentine flow field designs

The design of excellent flow fields can significantly enhance the output current density and improve the uniformity of reactant distribution in PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell). Serpentine flow field has gained more attention due to its outstanding performance and simple structure, but there is little research on multi-channel serpentine flow field considering the consumption of reactant. In this paper, flow fields named multi-s and multi-pis were designed by considering reactant consumption, and compared with the traditional serpentine flow fields including 3 s, 5 s, 3pis and 5pis. Compared with 3 s and 5 s, the average power density of multi-s increased by 0.687 % and 1.256 %, respectively. The average power density of multi-pis increased by 0.326 % and 1.829 %, as compared to that of 3pis and 5pis. Moreover, the utilization of multiple serpentine and parallel flow fields enhances the uniformity of reactant distribution and current density. The paper further investigates the impact of inlet humidity, operating temperature and supply back pressure on the performance of these six flow fields at a working voltage of 0.45 V. The variations of operating parameters exert varying degrees of influence on the different flow fields, multi-s and multi-pis flow fields consistently demonstrating superior performance to the other four flow fields. The present study offers practical guidance for the implementation of PEMFCs, encompassing optimization strategies for flow field design, operation.