Optimisation of bipolar plate through computational fluid dynamic simulation and modelling using nickle open pore cellular foam material

Abstract

Bipolar plates remain one of the key components in PEM fuel cells. It serves as the medium (Channel) in which the reactive substances (Hydrogen and oxygen/air) finally converge on the catalyst layer where the electrochemical reaction leading to the release of electron (electricity) occurs. Its optimization would eventually have an immense impact on the performance of the fuel cell. Simulation and modelling is a key tool in the engineering industry as it saves engineers time and money before the manufacturing of any engineering product. It helps manufacturers have firsthand information about the design feasibility before the manufacturing process in a workshop.This paper reports the modelling and simulation of the bipolar plate in fuel cell using nickel Open Pore Cellular Foam material through computational fluid dynamics software (Ansys CFX). The modelled bipolar plate was validated through design of experiments (DOE) in Ansys and compared with other flow plate design (serpentine) in the fuel cell industry.