Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Design Based on Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling

Author(s):  
Stefano Cordiner ◽  
Simon Pietro Lanzani ◽  
Vincenzo Mulone ◽  
Marco Chiapparini ◽  
Angelo D’Anzi ◽  
...  

An entirely numerical design procedure, based on computational fluid dynamics, is introduced to evaluate the performance of different polymer electrolyte fuel cell layouts and sets of operating conditions for assigned target parameters in terms of performance. The design procedure has been applied to a coflow design, characterized by large active area (500 cm2), moderate temperature (70°C), liquid cooling, and metal supporting. The role of heat transfer between the cell and the cooling system is analyzed to properly address the influence of operating conditions on power density and flooding via a comprehensive parametric analysis.

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umberto Stuppioni ◽  
Alessio Suman ◽  
Michele Pinelli ◽  
Alessandro Blum

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of gaseous cavitation (GC) in lubricating positive-displacement pumps (PDPs). It is important for designers and analysts to predict the dynamic features of air release/dissolution processes which characterize this phenomenon, along with their effects on filling capability and noise-vibration-harshness behavior of the machine. The focus is on the empirical tuning of the commercial homogeneous-flow cavitation model known as dissolved gas model (DGM). Considering an automotive case study of a balanced vane pump (BVP), the effects of air modeling on numerical predictions of discharge flow/pressure ripple and volumetric efficiency have been studied. The tuning time parameters of the model have been correlated to the machine Reynolds number as part of a simplified theoretical background based on dimensional analysis. Considering experimental data at different operating conditions, the tuned model has shown a good capacity in predicting the pressure ripple and the flowrate at the discharge of the pump.


Author(s):  
Michinori Hashimoto ◽  
Hideki Murakawa ◽  
Katsumi Sugimoto ◽  
Hitoshi Asano ◽  
Nobuyuki Takenaka ◽  
...  

Visualization of dynamic three-dimensional water behavior in a PEFC stack was carried out by neutron CT using a neutron image intensifier for clarifying water effects on performances of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) stack. Neutron radiography system at JRR-3 in Japan Atomic Energy Agency was used. An operating stack with three cells based on Japan Automobile Research Institute standard was visualized. A consecutive CT reconstruction method by rotating the fuel stack continuously was developed by using a neutron image intensifier and a C-MOS high speed video camera. The dynamic water behavior in channels in the operating PEFC stack was clearly visualized 15 sec in interval by the developed dynamic neutron CT system. From the CT reconstructed images, evaluation of water amount in each cell was carried out. It was shown that the water distribution in each cell was correlated well with power generation characteristics in each cell.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Paul Kone ◽  
Xinyu Zhang ◽  
Yuying Yan ◽  
Guilin Hu ◽  
Goodarz Ahmadi

A review of published three-dimensional, computational fluid dynamics models for proton exchange membrane fuel cells that accounts for multiphase flow is presented. The models can be categorized as models for transport phenomena, geometry or operating condition effects, and thermal effects. The influences of heat and water management on the fuel cell performance have been repeatedly addressed, and these still remain two central issues in proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology. The strengths and weaknesses of the models, the modelling assumptions, and the model validation are discussed. The salient numerical features of the models are examined, and an overview of the most commonly used computational fluid dynamic codes for the numerical modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is given. Comprehensive three-dimensional multiphase flow computational fluid dynamic models accounting for the major transport phenomena inside a complete cell have been developed. However, it has been noted that more research is required to develop models that include among other things, the detailed composition and structure of the catalyst layers, the effects of water droplets movement in the gas flow channels, the consideration of phase change in both the anode and the cathode sides of the fuel cell, and dissolved water transport.


Author(s):  
Agus P. Sasmito ◽  
Tariq Shamim ◽  
Erik Birgersson ◽  
Arun S. Mujumdar

In open-cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stacks, a significant temperature rise can exist due to insufficient cooling, especially at higher current densities. To improve stack thermal management while reducing the cost of cooling, we propose a forced air-convection open-cathode fuel cell stack with edge cooling (fins). The impact of the edge cooling is studied via a mathematical model of the three-dimensional two-phase flow and the associated conservation equations of mass, momentum, species, energy, and charge. The model includes the stack, ambient, fan, and fins used for cooling. The model results predict better thermal management and stack performance for the proposed design as compared to the conventional open-cathode stack design, which shows potential for practical applications. Several key design parameters—fin material and fin geometry—are also investigated with regard to the stack performance and thermal management.


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