Analysis on pressure anomaly within PEMFC stack based on semi-empirical and flow network models. (26th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Yu; Zhang, Xuexia; Huang, Lei
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 8(2023)
• Page Start: 3188
• Page End: 3203
• Publication Date: 2023-01-26
• Subjects: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack -- Semi-empirical model -- Flow network model -- Flow distribution -- Pressure anomaly; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.10.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Flow distribution within proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks is an important factor in affecting cell performance. In the present study, a coupled stack model is developed based on a flow network model and a semi-empirical model. The frictional and local losses due to two-phase flow, reactant consumption, diverging, and converging are considered in the flow network model. The effectiveness of the coupled model is validated by the experimental polarization curve and pressure drop of a 30-cell PEMFC stack with the U-type configuration. Flow distribution, sensitivity analysis, and pressure anomaly within the stack are investigated through simulation results. The results show that the overall pressure drop of the stack is mainly affected by channel parameters of length, width, and height. Besides, the appearance of pressure anomaly leads to lower performance and larger pressure drop among cells. The pressure distribution among cells is almost unchanged although the voltage of anomalous cells is much lower than that of normal cells. In addition, the anomalous cells perform worse with the increase of anomaly extent. Nevertheless, the increase in the number of anomalous cells can enhance the voltage of the single anomalous cell by sharing the adverse influence aroused by pressure anomaly. Highlights: The semi-empirical model and flow network model is developed for a PEMFC stack. The gas-liquid two-phase flow is considered in the flow network model. The coupled model is validated by experimental polarization curve and pressure drop. The effects of pressure anomaly on performance among the cells are studied. The effects of pressure anomaly on pressure distribution in the stack are studied.