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Liquid Water Transport Characteristics and Droplet Dynamics of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with 3D Wave Channel

Author

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  • Zijun Li

    (School of Naval Architecture and Maritime, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China)

  • Jianguo Wang

    (Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Changsha 430100, China)

  • Shubo Wang

    (Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Weiwei Li

    (Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Xiaofeng Xie

    (Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    China Institute of Ocean Engineering (TsingTao), Qingdao 266555, China)

Abstract

Water management is a crucial aspect in the efficient functioning of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The presence of a two-phase flow, consisting of water and reactive gas, in the channel of the PEMFC is of utmost importance for effective water management. This study focuses on investigating the removal of liquid water in 3D wave channels and 2D straight channels using the volume of fluid method. The study analyzes the dynamic behavior of droplets emerging from the gas diffusion layer (GDL) into the channel under the influence of gas flow. The study also explores the effects of droplet growth, deformation, detachment, force, and pore size on critical water behavior and water content in the channel. The results indicate that the 3D wave channel is more effective in removing liquid water compared to the 2D straight channel. It is observed that increasing the velocity facilitates the discharge of liquid water. However, excessively high velocities lead to parasitic power losses. Furthermore, while larger pore sizes in the GDL are not advantageous for PEMFC performance, a moderate increase in pore size aids in the discharge of liquid water. The knowledge gained through this study deepens the understanding of droplet dynamics in PEMFC gas channels and assists in optimizing the design and operational conditions of these channels.

Suggested Citation

  • Zijun Li & Jianguo Wang & Shubo Wang & Weiwei Li & Xiaofeng Xie, 2023. "Liquid Water Transport Characteristics and Droplet Dynamics of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with 3D Wave Channel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:16:p:5892-:d:1213674
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Perng, Shiang-Wuu & Wu, Horng-Wen, 2015. "A three-dimensional numerical investigation of trapezoid baffles effect on non-isothermal reactant transport and cell net power in a PEMFC," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 81-95.
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