Numerical Analysis of Block Geometry on PEM Fuel-cell Efficiency

This paper examines and compares two different block geometries to fit in the oxygen channel. A fuel cell is a device that produces electricity from the chemical energy resulting from the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen. This type of energy has been of interest to researchers due to its cleanliness. It was determined that a block is a useful tool placed in the path of oxygen flow in a fuel cell. By diverting the oxygen fluid flow towards the membrane and gas diffusion layers, it increases the contact surface between the two oxygen and hydrogen fluids in a fuel cell. Computational fluid dynamics method was used to investigate the performance of these channels. This method is based on predicting the behavior of fluids by solving equations governing them using a computer. The modeling and analysis stages of these channels are explained. In this study, blocks were designed in two forms, rectangular and triangular blocks. The triangular block is actually a rectangular cube that has been cut along the diagonal of its cross-sectional area.