STUDY OF DROPLET TRANSPORT IN STRAIGHT FLOW CHANNELS OF PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL

Wang Cuibiao; Sun Feng; Su Dandan; Qin Shuaichang; Nie Xuliang; Dong Xiaoping

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2023-1012

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2024, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (10) : 61-67. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2023-1012

STUDY OF DROPLET TRANSPORT IN STRAIGHT FLOW CHANNELS OF PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL

Wang Cuibiao¹, Sun Feng^2,3, Su Dandan¹, Qin Shuaichang¹, Nie Xuliang¹, Dong Xiaoping¹

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Abstract

A two-dimensional straight channel model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell （PEMFC） was established, and the whole process of droplet generation, rupture and transport in flow channel was analyzed, and the influence of critical factors such as inlet velocity, surface hydrophobicity of gas diffusion layer and baffle structure on droplet transport characteristics was investigated. The simulation results show that the increase of inlet velocity helps to improve droplet removal. However excessive gas flow velocity will push droplets to the surface of gas diffusion layer resulting in the accumulation of droplets. Also, highly hydrophilic gas diffusion layer surface will cause serious collapse and deformation of liquid droplets, blocking the pores of gas diffusion layer. On the contrary, droplets flow fast on the surface of hydrophobic gas diffusion layer, and the wall adhesion is small, which is conducive to the drainage of the flow channel. Thirdly, increasing the baffle blockage rate can increase local flow rate in the regions below and behind baffle and improve the ability of blowing droplets. Finally, the hydrophobicity of baffle surface has a weaker effect on the removal of droplets in flow channel.

Key words

proton exchange membrane fuel cells / finite element method / contact angle / water mangement / flow field / flow velocity

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Wang Cuibiao, Sun Feng, Su Dandan, Qin Shuaichang, Nie Xuliang, Dong Xiaoping. STUDY OF DROPLET TRANSPORT IN STRAIGHT FLOW CHANNELS OF PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2024, 45(10): 61-67 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2023-1012

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