Multi-objective Optimization of Channel Geometry for A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Channel geometry has a great influence on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In order to optimize the channel geometry of PEMFC, a 3-D, non-isothermal, steady-state model of a PEMFC with a single straight channel is established. Multi-objective genetic algorithm is employed as the optimization method. Two conflicting objectives, power consumption (E-con) and output power (E-cell) of the PEMFC are chosen as objective functions. The length and width of the channel are selected as the optimization variables. Three decision-making methods including TOPSIS, LINMAP and fuzzy Bellman-Zadeh are employed to select the decision solutions from the Pareto optimal frontiers. After comparing these three kinds of decision solutions, the final optimal solution is ascertained. The results show that the optimal channel has a shorter length and a wider width, and the optimal PEMFC has higher energy efficiency and more even distributions of reactants. In addition, the structure of the optimal PEMFC improves the performance of guarding against cathode flooding. Copyright (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.