Investigation of the Effect of Auxiliary Flow Channels on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

To tackle oxygen maldistribution in traditional PEMFC serpentine flow fields, two designs—central (CAFF) and staggered (SAFF) auxiliary flow fields—were evaluated via 3D modeling. CAFF's symmetrical structure enhances oxygen uniformity by expanding gas diffusion layer contact and reinforcing transverse mass transfer, effectively eliminating oxygen-deficient zones. SAFF's staggered channels improve local reactant supply but create uneven global distribution and complex pressure drops, reducing water management efficacy. While both designs outperform conventional serpentine layouts, CAFF achieves superior holistic performance through balanced mass transfer and efficient water removal, whereas SAFF's localized enhancement compromises system-wide consistency.