Numerical simulations of two-phase flow in an anode gas channel of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

In this work, the two-phase flow in an anode gas channel of a PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell is numerically investigated using the VOF (volume of fluid) method. Water movement in the gas channel is analyzed and the effects of hydrogen inlet velocity, operating temperature and channel walls wettability are investigated. Results reveal that for hydrophilic channel walls water moves as films in the upper surface of the channel (surface opposite to the GDL (gas diffusion layer)) whereas it moves as a droplet when the channel walls are hydrophobic. Moreover, increasing hydrogen inlet velocity, operating temperature and channel walls wettability results into a faster water removal. However, for the case when hydrogen velocity is increased, a considerable increment on pressure drop is also observed. Results from the present work provide important quantitative information that complements experimental data from literature.