Numerical Analysis of Piezoelectric Device with Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The increasing oil price and greenhouse issue have been paid much attention; therefore, studying a new and clean energy has been global target. Previous studies indicated piezoelectric device with proton exchange membrane fuel cell, PZT-PEMFC, the actuating micro-diaphragm with piezoelectric effects as one of the flow channels, could be successfully operated. In this study, we discuss the performance of PZT-PEMFC with different operating conditions, which includes frequency of piezoelectric device, inlet gas and cell temperatures, humidity of inlet gas, reaction area of PZT-PEMFC, and rib design in cathode chamber. Rib design in cathode chamber is the most obvious factor on the performance of PZT-PEMFC. In addition, the current density of PZT-PEMFC with rib may increase 44% than non-rib design. The reason is that the rib can reduce electron resistance and increase chemical reaction. Moreover, temperature distribution is more uniform in cathode chamber in adding rib condition. The optimal condition is 0.547A/cm2 at cathode chamber with rib, relative humidity of inlet gas 100%, vibration frequency of piezoelectric device 64Hz, and inlet gas and cell temperatures 323K.