by Researchers from the University of Seville and the Paul Scherrer Institute have made significant progress in developing innovative bipolar plate designs for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Their work, which has been published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energies and Electrochimica Acta, focuses on improving the efficiency and performance of fuel cells by addressing the distribution of liquid water within steady-state cell channels.
One of the main challenges in optimizing the operation of PEM fuel cells is ensuring the optimal distribution of liquid water. Too much water can lead to clogging of proton and electron transport channels, reducing the efficiency of the cell. Conversely, a lack of water can cause dehydration of the membrane and negatively impact performance.
To tackle this challenge, the researchers from the University of Seville have turned to nature-inspired design concepts. They have explored the use of a lung-inspired structure to design the flow circulation channels inside the cell. By imitating the efficient transport and distribution of water found in lungs, this approach has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and durability of PEM fuel cells.
The inclusion of bio-inspired structures in fuel cell design opens up new possibilities for optimizing water distribution. This, in turn, can lead to substantial improvements in the efficiency and lifetime of fuel cells. By mimicking nature’s solutions, the researchers have gained valuable insights that may contribute to the advancement of fuel cell technology and the development of more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
The research reported in the papers is focused on the development of innovative bipolar plate designs for PEM fuel cells. By exploring nature-inspired solutions to address the distribution of liquid water, the researchers have provided a promising avenue for enhancing fuel cell performance. This breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable energy systems in the future.
Overall, the work done by the researchers from the University of Seville and the Paul Scherrer Institute represents a significant contribution to the ongoing research on fuel cell technology. Their exploration of bio-inspired design concepts and strategies offers new perspectives on the distribution of water in fuel cells, bringing us closer to achieving more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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