A semi-analytical model for droplet dynamics on the GDL surface of a PEFC electrode. (27th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jarauta, Alex; Secanell, Marc; Pons-Prats, Jordi; Ryzhakov, Pavel; Idelsohn, Sergio R.; Oñate, Eugenio
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 40:Number 15(2015)
• Page Start: 5375
• Page End: 5383
• Publication Date: 2015-04-27
• Subjects: Fuel cells -- Droplet dynamics -- Adhesion force -- Drag force; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.01.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Water management is one of the key factors in Proton Exchange Fuel Cell (PEFC) performance. The water produced within the fuel cell is evacuated through the gas channels, but at high current densities water can block the channel, thus limiting the current density generated in the fuel cell. A semi-analytical model of a water droplet emerging from a gas diffusion layer pore in a PEFC channel is developed. The transient model contains a detailed adhesion and drag force estimation model. Results show that the predicted values for both drag and surface tension force are higher than the results found in literature. The results for the detachment force are consistent with the experimental data available. Higher air velocity values lead to more deformation of the droplet and oscillation with lower frequency but higher amplitude. Similar effects have been identified when the liquid mass flow is increased, leading to faster detachment of the droplet. Highlights: We model the droplet dynamics on a PEFC electrode gas channel. The adhesion force model works for any droplet geometry. An explicit equation for the drag force is given for several flow regimes. Results can predict detachment and agree with experimental data.