This study has applied the L-18 2 x 3(7) orthogonal array of the Taguchi method to determine the optimal combination of six primary operating parameters (flow orientation, temperature of fuel cell, anode and cathode humidification temperatures, anode, and cathode stoichiometric flow ratios) of a PEM fuel cell. The optimal combination factor is co-flow, a cell temperature of 333 K, an anode humidification temperature of 353 K, a cathode humidification temperature of 333 K, a stoichiometric flow ratio for hydrogen of 2, and a stoichiometric flow ratio for oxygen of 3; and the amount of maximum power is 17.61 W. The results for the experiment indicate that flow orientation, temperature of fuel cell. and anode and cathode humidification temperatures are significant factors for affecting the performance. Furthermore, this study Simulates the transport phenomenon and electrochemical reactions using a finite-element method at the optimal combination factor from the experimental results of Taguchi method. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.