INFLUENCE OF FLOW FIELD PATH DESIGN OF DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELL ON “WATER FLOODING PHENOMENON” OF CATHODE

Qingran Meng, Aihua Tian

ABSTRACT:The flow field directs the reactant in and the product out of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) through a channel system. The design of the flow field path determines the flow in the internal flow field, thus affecting the performance of the fuel cell as well as the long-term stability. In this paper, parallel channels, serpentine channels, parallel serpentine channels, interdigitated channels, spiral flow channel, mesh flow field and other innovative channels are introduced. The advantages and disadvantages of various flow paths are analyzed, and the influence of flow field parameters, such as size, pressure and cross section shape of flow path, on performance of DMFC is discussed. The advantages of the new flow field are prospected as well.

Keywords:direct methanol fuel cell, flow channel, water flooding phenomenon.