Multi-objective optimization of wave-shaped flow channels for enhanced HT-PEMFC performance using central composite face-centered design coupled with NSGA-Ⅲ

The geometric shape of the gas channel has a significant influence on the performance and water–vapor management of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Unlike previous studies that mainly focused on conventional or low-temperature PEMFC flow-field optimization, this study investigates the multi-objective optimization of different wave-shaped gas channels for HT-PEMFCs considering both electrochemical performance and water–vapor transport characteristics. Based on an established three-dimensional HT-PEMFC simulation model, the central composite face-centered design (CCF) combined with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm Ⅲ (NSGA-Ⅲ) was employed to optimize the geometric parameters of the parallel wave-shaped gas channel (PWGC) and opposite wave-shaped gas channel (OWGC), respectively. The results demonstrate that both wave-shaped gas channels effectively improve the net power density, water–vapor removal capability, and current density distribution uniformity compared with the HT-PEMFC equipped with the conventional straight gas channel (CSGC). The optimized PWGC achieves the best comprehensive performance at an amplitude of 0.240 and a cycle number of 21.568, resulting in a 14.2442% increase in net power density compared with the CSGC-based HT-PEMFC, while the average water–vapor mass fraction in the cathode compartment is 11.645%. For the OWGC, the optimal amplitude and cycle number are 0.138 and 28.073, respectively, achieving a 14.3595% improvement in net power density, while the average water–vapor mass fraction in the cathode compartment is 11.337%. Moreover, the OWGC exhibits better overall performance than the PWGC due to its better balance between enhanced mass transfer and increased pressure loss. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design and optimization of wave-shaped gas channels in HT-PEMFCs.