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A Lumped-Mass Model of Membrane Humidifier for PEMFC

Author

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  • Hoang Nghia Vu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea)

  • Xuan Linh Nguyen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea)

  • Sangseok Yu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea)

Abstract

Maintaining the performance of a fuel cell stack requires appropriate management of water in the membrane electrode. One solution is to apply an external humidifier to the supply gases. However, the operating conditions change continuously, which significantly affects the humidifier performance and supply gas characteristics. A straightforward humidifier module is needed for integration with the fuel cell system model. In this study, a lumped-mass model was used to simulate a hollow-fiber membrane humidifier and investigate the effects of various input conditions on the humidifier performance. The lumped-mass model can account for heat transfer and vapor transport in the membrane bundle without losing simplicity. The humidifier module was divided into three parts: a heat and mass exchanger in the middle and two manifolds at the ends of the exchanger. These components were modeled separately and linked to each other according to the flow characteristics. Simulations were performed to determine the humidifier response under both steady-state and transient conditions, and water saturation was observed in the outlet manifold that may affect the humidifier performance. The findings on the effects of the operating conditions and humidifier dimensions on the cathode gas can be used to improve humidifier design and control.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoang Nghia Vu & Xuan Linh Nguyen & Sangseok Yu, 2022. "A Lumped-Mass Model of Membrane Humidifier for PEMFC," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:6:p:2113-:d:770749
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nguyen, Xuan Linh & Vu, Hoang Nghia & Yu, Sangseok, 2021. "Parametric understanding of vapor transport of hollow fiber membranes for design of a membrane humidifier," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 1293-1307.
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    1. Hoang Nghia Vu & Dinh Hoang Trinh & Dat Truong Le Tri & Sangseok Yu, 2023. "Bypass Configurations of Membrane Humidifiers for Water Management in PEM Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, October.

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