Advances in Fuel Cell Performance Using Simulation Analysis in Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation

The influence of channel and rib width of bi-polar plates on gas diffusion performance was investigated by simulation and experimental measurement. Simulation results showed that a ch./rib ratio of about 2 is a compromise between diffusivity and resistance, and that higher performance can be expected. The advanced cell with bi-polar plates with this flow channel geometry was fabricated and its performance was evaluated. IV characteristics of advanced cell exceeded simulation results, indicating that the effect of improved GDL/MPL tortuosity on diffusion performance was greater than expected.