Performance improvement of air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a condensing-tower-like curved flow field

Air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are very promising portable energy with many advantages. However, its power density is low and many additional supporting parts affect its specific power. In this paper, we aim to improve the air diffusion and fuel cell performance by employing a novel condensing-tower-like curved flow field rather than an additional fan, making the fuel cell more compact and has less internal power consumption. Polarization curve test and galvanostatic discharge test are carried out and proved that curved flow field can strengthen the air diffusion into the PEMFC and improve its performance. With appropriate curved flow field, the fuel cell peak power can be 55.2% higher than that of planar flow field in our study. A four-layer stack with curved cathode flow field is fabricated and has a peak power of 2.35 W (120 W/kg). Applying a condensing-tower-like curved flow field to the cathode side of the MEA can improve the air convection, so as to improve the performance of air-breathing PEMFC.