A numerical study of baffle height and location effects on mass transfer of proton exchange membrane fuel cells with orientated-type flow channels. (8th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Hao; Guo, Hang; Ye, Fang; Ma, Chong Fang
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 7528
• Page End: 7545
• Publication Date: 2021-02-08
• Subjects: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell -- Orientated-type flow channel -- Two-phase mass transfer -- Baffle dimension -- Baffle location; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.11.226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Reactants and products distribute unevenly in flow channels of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, therefore, the baffle heights and locations in flow channels exhibit effects on species transportation. In this study, a two-dimensional, two-phase, non-isothermal, and steady state model is developed to study the baffle heights and locations effects on mass transportation and performance of the fuel cells with orientated-type channels. Simulation results show that: uniformly distributing baffles in a flow channel can both enhance the reactants transportation and help expel more liquid water, resulting in higher net powers; although using a big baffle at the upstream segment of a channel enhances the performance more, while the water accumulating is also increased more. Reducing the baffle heights accounts for weaker reactants transfer enhancements and worse liquid water expelling; moving the baffles backwardly also causes the decrease in reactant transportation, while the liquid water expelling process is increased. Highlights: Baffle height and location effects on mass transfer are studied. Reducing baffle heights weakens water expelling. Uniformly placing baffles enhances reactants transfer and weakens water accumulation. Putting baffles upstream enhances reactant transfer while water accumulates more.