numerical investigation of gas channel geometry of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

In the present research work, a 3d single-phase proton-exchange membrane fuel cell is simulated numerically. the governing equations are solved using the finite volume scheme, and the results obtained are validated against famous published data that show a proper conformity. the basic target is to investigate the gas channel shape effect on the cell performance and the mass transport phenomenon. first, the beside walls of the gas channels are converted from the straight condition to the sinusoidal form with two different steps, and in continuation, the membrane electrode assembly is bended in four states but the gas channel cross-section area is kept 1 mm². the results obtained reveal that the spiral models because of a curved construction prepare a long pathway for the incoming gases, and also much mass diffusion to the reaction area. thus for model m1, the produced current density for v = 0.6 [v] increase by about 7.5%, and consequently, more oxygen and hydrogen is consumed. the pressure drop of the spiral models is studied; the results show that the base model has a less pressure drop but model m2 because of a higher performance and nearly the same pressure drop can be the best choice for the user. also for the new bended models, the best choice is the model with 𝛿=0.4, which has produced more current density, while its reaction area is about 19.64 mm² larger than the conventional model with 𝛿=0.