The proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an alternative power source for transport applications. In this study, the performance of PEMFC is numerically analyzed for a wide range of operating temperature and pressure through 3D CFD simulations. The predicted current and power density profiles are analyzed to find the optimum operating conditions for the fuel cell operation (343K, 3atm). The PEMFC performance is further quantified by calculating its fuel utilization efficiency. The various geometric modifications are suggested at the inlet of the flow channel such as convergent-divergent and divergent. The performance of the same are compared with straight channel inlets. These configurations are found to increase fuel utilization efficiency with increase in pressure drop. Hence, different bends are introduced to improve the performance of PEMFC serpentine channels. The optimum number of bends that support fuel utilization efficiency is identified. The importance of H₂ recirculation (20% and 30%) in single-channel fuel systems is addressed. It is found that H₂ recirculation (30%) significantly enhances the performance of PEMFC without an increase in the pressure drop.