Numerical Study on the Performance of Fuel Cell with a Radial Serpentine Flow Field

The flow field structure of bipolar plates has an important impact on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Ideal flow field design improves water management capabilities and mass and heat transfer, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the fuel cell. This article combines the traditional serpentine flow channel (TSFF) and the radial flow channel to design the radial serpentine flow field (RSFF). CFD simulation shows that the current density of RSFF is increased by a maximum of 31.2% and the power density is increased by a maximum of 21.5% compared with TSFF. Moreover, due to the higher pressure drop, the water management capability of the flow field is improved.