Numerical simulation for metal foam two-phase flow field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Efficient water management is crucial for the good performances of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The geometric and physical characteristics of the components of a PEMFC as well as operating conditions have an impact on the transport of water through the porous transport layer (PTL) and the two-phase flow regimes in the microchannels. One parameter of importance is the local temperature, which affects properties such as surface tension and is coupled with phase change. Indeed, a temperature difference of about 5K is expected across the PTL, with spatial variations due to the geometry of the flow field plate. We present preliminary results obtained with a first experimental setup for the ex-situ characterization of two-phase flow regimes in the flow channels. Water is pushed through the PTL, which is sandwiched between a porous metal foam and the flow field plate. The air flow rate, temperature and humidity can be controlled. The cell can be heated up by applying an electrical current through the metal foam. A transparent window is located on top of the flow channel. The two-phase flow within the micro-channels is visualized using a high-speed camera and laser-induced fluorescence. Preliminary results obtained under isothermal conditions at room temperature show that different two-phase flow regimes occur in the channels depending on the operating conditions, in good qualitative agreement with data from the literature. Eventually, a new visualization cell is presented that is expected to correct the flaws of the previous design and will allow a better thermal control. It will be possible to adjust the temperature gradient and the mean temperature in order to observe their impact on two-phase flow regimes for different types of PTL and flow rates. The results will provide a better understanding of water transport in PEMFC and benchmark data for the validation of numerical models.

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Treatment of two-phase flow in cathode gas channel for an improved one-dimensional proton exchange membrane fuel cell model

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy ◽

10.1016/j.ijhydene.2010.12.092 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 3941-3955 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

K.H. Wong ◽

K.H. Loo ◽

Y.M. Lai ◽

Siew-Chong Tan ◽

Chi K. Tse

Keyword(s):

Fuel Cell ◽

Proton Exchange Membrane ◽

Two Phase Flow ◽

Cell Model ◽

Proton Exchange ◽

Phase Flow ◽

Two Phase ◽

One Dimensional ◽

Gas Channel ◽

Exchange Membrane

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Experimental study of two-phase flow in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell in short-term microgravity condition

Applied Energy ◽

10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.09.058 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 136 ◽

pp. 509-518 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Hang Guo ◽

Xuan Liu ◽

Jian Fu Zhao ◽

Fang Ye ◽

Chong Fang Ma

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Fuel Cell ◽

Proton Exchange Membrane ◽

Two Phase Flow ◽

Microgravity Condition ◽

Proton Exchange ◽

Phase Flow ◽

Short Term ◽

Two Phase ◽

Exchange Membrane

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Numerical simulations of two-phase flow in an anode gas channel of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Energy ◽

10.1016/j.energy.2015.01.071 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 82 ◽

pp. 619-628 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Rui B. Ferreira ◽

D.S. Falcão ◽

V.B. Oliveira ◽

A.M.F.R. Pinto

Keyword(s):

Fuel Cell ◽

Numerical Simulations ◽

Proton Exchange Membrane ◽

Two Phase Flow ◽

Proton Exchange ◽

Phase Flow ◽

Two Phase ◽

Gas Channel ◽

Exchange Membrane

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An Analytical Solution to Predict the Inception of Two-Phase Flow in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology ◽

10.1115/1.4001760 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A. S. Bansode ◽

T. Sundararajan ◽

Sarit K. Das

Keyword(s):

Fuel Cell ◽

Analytical Model ◽

Current Density ◽

Proton Exchange Membrane ◽

Two Phase Flow ◽

Proton Exchange ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Phase Flow ◽

Two Phase ◽

Exchange Membrane

The presence of liquid water at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell hinders the reactant supply to the electrode and is known as electrode flooding. The flooding at the cathode due to the presence of two-phase flow of water is one of the major performance limiting conditions. A pseudo-two-dimensional analytical model is developed to predict the inception of two-phase flow along the length of the cathode channel. The diffusion of the water is considered to take place only across the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The current density corresponding to the inception of two-phase flow, called the threshold current density, is found to be a function of the channel length and height, GDL thickness, velocity, and relative humidity of the air at the inlet and cell temperature. Thus, for given design and operating conditions, the analytical model is capable of predicting the inception of two-phase flow, and therefore a flooding condition can be avoided in the first place.

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