Channel-to-Rib Width Ratio Optimization for the Electrical Performance Enhancement in PEMFC Based on Accurate Strain-Stress Simulation

Although a large channel-to-rib width ratio (CRWR) of the bipolar plate (BP) leads to a large electrical performance of PEMFC, an excessive CRWR leads to excessive pressure and destroys the gas diffusion layer (GDL), thus reducing the electrical performance of PEMFC. Revealing the relationship between the CRWR and GDL is of urgent necessity for improving the electrical performance of PEMFC. In this study, a three-dimensional model of PEMFC incorporating the compressed neo-Hookean theory is developed to accurately depict the stress-strain relationship. Compared with the traditional model incorporating the linear-elastic theory, the current density deviation of the proposed model is decreased from 9.81% to 2.55%. The correlation among CRWR of BP, stress, strain, and elastic modulus of GDL is fitted. The average stress deviation of the correlation from the simulated data is 3.41%. Based on the correlation, when the compressive strength of GDL is 2.5 MPa, the peak permissible CRWR is achieved at 2.91, indicating the peak value of CRWR without damaging the GDL structure. A power density enhancement of 29.04% compared to the conventional case is achieved. The strategies of this study can be used to guide the design of the channel of bipolar plates and enhance the power density of PEMFC.