Bio-inspired flow channel designs for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: A review

The bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) perform several significant functions, and the flow channel design of these bipolar plates is one of the most active research fields. In addition to the conventional parallel, serpentine, and interdigitated flow channels, many researchers have applied bionics to flow channel designs to explore a series of bio-inspired flow channels. In this paper, based on different prototypes of bionics, the bio-inspired flow channels are classified into four types, i.e., leaf, lung, tree, and unconventional shape, and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. In addition, the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) is carried out on the bio-inspired flow channel designs, and the research directions and prospects of bio-inspired flow channel designs are summarized. This study can provide corresponding references and guidance for the flow channel designs of PEMFCs in the future.