Abstract
The manifold is an essential part of the fuel cell stack. Evidently, evenly distributed
reactants are a prerequisite for an efficient fuel cell stack. In this study, the cathode manifold ability to distribute air to the cells of a 70 cell stack is investigated experimentally. By means of 20 differential pressure gauges, the flow distribution is mapped for several geometrical and operating conditions. Special attention is given to the inlet conditions of the manifold. Here, a diffuser design was constructed in order to replace the conventional circular inlet design. The diffuser design showed significant improvements to the flow distribution in comparison to the circular design. Moreover, the best flow distribution was found using a U-shaped configuration.
reactants are a prerequisite for an efficient fuel cell stack. In this study, the cathode manifold ability to distribute air to the cells of a 70 cell stack is investigated experimentally. By means of 20 differential pressure gauges, the flow distribution is mapped for several geometrical and operating conditions. Special attention is given to the inlet conditions of the manifold. Here, a diffuser design was constructed in order to replace the conventional circular inlet design. The diffuser design showed significant improvements to the flow distribution in comparison to the circular design. Moreover, the best flow distribution was found using a U-shaped configuration.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Pages (from-to) | 061001-1 - 061001-8 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISSN | 1550-624X |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2010 |