Multi-objective optimization of pin-type channels in bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Authors

  • Brian J. Moya Universidad de Matanzas. Facultad de Ciencias Técnicas. Matanzas, Cuba.
  • Marcelino Rivas Santana Universidad de Matanzas. Facultad de Ciencias Técnicas. Matanzas, Cuba.
  • Leandro González Rodríguez Universidad Politécnica de Madrid - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas,CSIC, Centro de Automática y Robótica. Madrid, España.
  • Raúl Mario del Toro Matamoros Universidad Politécnica de Madrid - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas,CSIC, Centro de Automática y Robótica. Madrid, España.

Keywords:

computational fluid dynamics, fuel cells, hydrogen distribution, pin channels, Taguchi method.

Abstract

The geometry of the flow channels in the bipolar plates of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells exerts a decisive influence on the electrochemical performance, mass transfer efficiency and generated water. In this work, a geometrical optimization of pin-type channels of a fuel cell with a small active area for low energy demand applications was performed. The Taguchi statistical method was used, defining two objective functions: minimization of the pressure drop and homogenization of the velocity field in the active plane of the cell. For this purpose, the hydrogen distribution was simulated by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations in ANSYS FLUENT. The results obtained allowed identifying an optimal geometrical configuration with a channel height of 0.8 mm, pin side of 0.6 mm and pin spacing of 2.5 mm, showing a minimum pressure drop and a uniform flow distribution.

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Published

2025-03-12

How to Cite

1.
Moya BJ, Rivas Santana M, González Rodríguez L, del Toro Matamoros RM. Multi-objective optimization of pin-type channels in bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Ing. Mec. [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 12 [cited 2025 Oct. 19];28:e706. Available from: https://ingenieriamecanica.cujae.edu.cu/index.php/revistaim/article/view/807

Issue

Vol. 28 (2025): Publicación continua

Section

Original article

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