Research on Improving in Mass Transfer Characteristics by Cathode Wave-Form Channel

PEMFC (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell) is device that generates electricity from hydrogen. It is one of the subjects related to renewable energy and various research has been conducted on the PEMFC. PEMFC has low operating temperature and high efficiency among fuel cells, and is given attention as means for automobile and domestic use. Analysis of flow field pattern in supplying hydrogen and oxygen is part of the research to increase PEMFC efficiency. In this study, separation plate currently used in PEMFC is transformed to wave shape and mass transfer characteristics in the channel is examined through numerical and experimental analysis. Wave shape separation plate yielded 18% increase of efficiency compared to separation plate used in normal channel. And improvements in mass transfer characteristics were verified.