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Optimal Design and Operation of Dual-Ejector PEMFC Hydrogen Supply and Circulation System

Author

Listed:
  • Li Chen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
    Beijing Yijiajiequ Tech Inc., Beijing 100081, China)

  • Keda Xu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada)

  • Zuyong Yang

    (Beijing Yijiajiequ Tech Inc., Beijing 100081, China)

  • Zhen Yan

    (Beijing Yijiajiequ Tech Inc., Beijing 100081, China)

  • Zuomin Dong

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada)

Abstract

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system requires an adequate hydrogen supply and circulation to achieve its expected performance and operating life. An ejector-based hydrogen circulation system can reduce the operating and maintenance costs, noise, and parasitic power consumption by eliminating the recirculation pump. However, the ejector’s hydrogen entrainment capability, restricted by its geometric parameters and flow control variability, can only operate properly within a relatively narrow range of fuel cell output power. This research introduced the optimal design and operation control methods of a dual-ejector hydrogen supply/circulation system to support the full range of PEMFC system operations. The technique was demonstrated on a 70 kW PEMFC stack with an effective hydrogen entrainment ratio covering 8% to 100% of its output power. The optimal geometry design ensured each ejector covered a specific output power range with maximized entrainment capability. Furthermore, the optimal control of hydrogen flow and the two ejectors’ opening and closing times minimized the anode gas pressure fluctuation and reduced the potential harm to the PEMFC’s operation life. The optimizations were based on dedicated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and system dynamics models and simulations. Bench tests of the resulting ejector-based hydrogen supply/circulation system verified the simulation and optimization results.

Suggested Citation

  • Li Chen & Keda Xu & Zuyong Yang & Zhen Yan & Zuomin Dong, 2022. "Optimal Design and Operation of Dual-Ejector PEMFC Hydrogen Supply and Circulation System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:15:p:5427-:d:873008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pei, Pucheng & Ren, Peng & Li, Yuehua & Wu, Ziyao & Chen, Dongfang & Huang, Shangwei & Jia, Xiaoning, 2019. "Numerical studies on wide-operating-range ejector based on anodic pressure drop characteristics in proton exchange membrane fuel cell system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 729-738.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruifeng Guo & Dongfang Chen & Yuehua Li & Wenlong Wu & Song Hu & Xiaoming Xu, 2023. "Anode Nitrogen Concentration Estimation Based on Voltage Variation Characteristics for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stacks," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Jianmei Feng & Jiquan Han & Zihui Pang & Xueyuan Peng, 2023. "Designing Hydrogen Recirculation Ejectors for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-10, January.
    3. Ding, Hongbing & Dong, Yuanyuan & Zhang, Yu & Yang, Yan & Wen, Chuang, 2023. "Energy efficiency assessment of hydrogen recirculation ejectors for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 346(C).

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