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Modelling of the flow distribution on a porous material in a PEMFC and image processing validation

Abstract:

To determine the adequateness of the material, a model based on the analogy between fluidic and electric flows is proposed to analyse the flow distribution on a porous-media bipolar plate. The model shows higher flow in the periphery than in the central area. It also shows that this difference depends on the ratio between the hydraulic resistance of the porous media and that of the collectors/distributors. The proposed model and the results of the experimental work performed can be used for the design of porous material for PEMFC bipolar plates. The theoretical results are validated by image analysis techniques, which process the patterns obtained when passing a coloured fluid through the porous-media. The acquired images were processed, to calculate approximate flow speeds at different locations on the bipolar plate, which are compared to the model pbkp_redictions. The images were also processed to obtain a visual representation of the flow distribution. © J. New Mat. Electrochem. Systems.