Numerical Simulation on a Novel Serpentine Flow Field of PEMFC Based on Orthogonal Experimental Methods

Optimization of flow field structure design is a critical technical approach to improving the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFC). Based upon the traditional serpentine flow field, the novel serpentine flow field for PEMFC is simulated and optimization simulations are performed using orthogonal experimental methods. The key design parameters include the number of rib rows, the number of ribs, and the gap length, while the evaluation indicators are current density, pressure drop, temperature difference, and oxygen non-uniformity at a 0.4 V operating condition. By combining range analysis and analysis of variance, the influence and significance of the parameters on the evaluation indicators are systematically investigated. Furthermore, a weighted analysis is adopted and combined with the comprehensive output performance value(OP value) to conduct further range analysis, enabling the determination of the optimal parameter combination. The results show that the number of rib rows is dominant in all evaluation indicators and is the key parameter influencing the performance of PEMFC. The optimal parameter combination is obtained when the number of rib rows is 5, the number of ribs is 2, and the gap length is 0.1 mm, which coincides with the combination obtained when current density is considered as the primary indicator. Comparative analysis indicates that the comprehensive output performance value of this combination is higher than those of all combinations optimized for individual indicators and all 16 orthogonal test groups, demonstrating its clear superiority in simultaneously optimizing multiple performance metrics. Overall, this achieves a comprehensive performance optimization of the novel serpentine flow field for PEMFC. The findings provide valuable reference for the optimization design of serpentine flow fields.