Performance Comparison for a Constructal-Based Flow Field Pattern in a Single PEMFC

The present work shows a three-dimensional numerical simulation of a Single Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) with a constructal-based pattern as a gas distributor. The models are classified according to the proposed angle and bifurcation level. The numerical model considers a complete solution of the Navier-Stokes equations, the species transport equation and two potential field equations; the model is solved using a finite-volume technique assuming isothermal and steady state conditions. The three-dimensional simulation includes nine control volumes: two current collectors, two flow channels, two gas diffusion layers, two catalyst layers and a membrane between the two catalyst layers. The results show that larger values of current density can be obtained in order if the bifurcation levels are increased. This suggests that a better performance is reached when the structure is closer to those structures found in the natural world.