Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization of Blockages Height in PEMFC Cathode Flow Channel

Installing blockages in the cathode flow channel of PEMFC can enhance oxygen transport and improve cell performance. However, the effects of blockage height at different channel locations on the cell performance are obviously different. In this paper, a three-dimensional, two-phase, steady-state numerical model is established to simulate the PEMFC with blockages in the cathode flow channel, and full factorial design method is used to the sensitivity analysis of the effect of blockages height on cell performance. In addition, genetic algorithm is also used to optimize the blockages height. The results show that the closer to the outlet, the greater the effect of blockages height change on cell power. Increasing the blockages height near the outlet can significantly promote the uniform distribution of oxygen in the cathode catalyst layer, improve the utilization rate of catalyst and maximize the cell performance. In this study, the maximum cell performance can be achieved when H₁ and ∆H are 0.9537 mm and 0.009 mm respectively. And, compared with the case without blockages in the cathode flow channel, the net maximal power is increased by 18.45%.