Optimisation of bipolar plate through computational fluid dynamic simulation and modelling using nickle open pore cellular foam material Tabbi Wilberforce, Ahmed Al Makky, A. Baroutaji, Rubal Sambi, A. G. Olabi   2017/04/25

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.

Authors and affiliations

Tabbi Wilberforce(1), Ahmed Al Makky(1), A. Baroutaji(2), Rubal Sambi(1), A. G. Olabi(1)
1. Institute of Engineering and Energy Technologies, University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom
2. Cork Institute of Technology, Department of Process, Energy and Transport Engineering, UK

Key word

Bipolar plate, Open Pore Cellular Foam Material, Design of Experiments, PEM Fuel

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