Optimization study of proton exchange membrane fuel cell parameters based on Taguchi method for central spiral flow field

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as devices to replace high-emission, highly polluting fossil fuels, owing to their clean, low-carbon, and zero-pollution characteristics. However, challenges such as high production costs and maintenance difficulties have impeded their commercialization. Addressing this issue, optimization studies on PEMFC flow fields become crucial. This study proposes a novel central spiral flow field design and establishes a three-dimensional model for central spiral flow field PEMFCs. Utilizing the Taguchi method and setting target functions, a 10-parameter, 3-level optimization study is conducted on the structural and physical parameters of this flow field. The target functions primarily focus on increasing current density while minimizing pressure drop losses. Results indicate that under consistent conditions, the central spiral flow field exhibits superior polarization performance and higher output power compared to traditional basic parallel flow fields. Additionally, the L₂₇(3¹⁰) orthogonal array established through the Taguchi method is analyzed using both the intuitive method and range analysis, leading to the identification of two optimal flow field design schemes. A comparison between the two reveals that the scheme obtained through the intuitive method shows more significant advantages. This scheme is then selected as the optimal central spiral flow field and compared with a parallel flow field under the same conditions. The results indicate that, compared to the parallel flow field, the optimal central spiral flow field increases the limiting current density by 73.8%, the maximum power density by 107%, and the net power at an operating voltage of 0.6 V by 89.4%.