1D + 3D two-phase flow numerical model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Rui B. Ferreira (Author) FEUP; Daniela S. Falcão (Author) FEUP; Vânia B. Oliveira (Author) FEUP; Alexandra M. F. R. Pinto (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Applied Energy

Vol. 203

Pages: 474-495

ISSN: 0306-2619

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 21 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 52 Citations

Associated Projects

PEMFC-SUDOE - Sustentabilidade energética na região SUDOE: Rede SUDOE-PEMFC

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-409

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.06.048

Abstract (EN): In this work, a numerical model of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is presented. The volume of fluid (VOF) method is employed to simulate the air-water two-phase flow in the cathode gas channel, at the same time that the cell electrochemical performance is predicted. The model is validated against an experimental polarization curve and through the visualization of water distribution inside a transparent fuel cell. The water dynamics inside a serpentine gas channel is numerically analyzed under different operating voltages. Moreover, water content in different regions of the channel is quantified. Current density and water generation rate spatial distributions are also displayed and it is shown how they affect the process of water emergence into the gas channel. Important issues on the simulation of the PEM fuel cells two-phase flow are addressed, especially concerning the coupling of the VOF technique with electrochemical reactions. Both the model and the numerical results aim to contribute to a better understanding of the two-phase flow phenomenon that occurs in these devices.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 22