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Predicting Liquid Water Condensation in PEM Fuel Cells by Coupling CFD with 1D Models

Author

Listed:
  • Maximilian Schmitz

    (Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Fynn Matthiesen

    (Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Steffen Dirkes

    (Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Stefan Pischinger

    (Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising technology for future transportation applications. However, start-up procedures that are not optimized for low temperatures can lead to the early failure of the cells. Detailed CFD models can support the optimization of cold start procedures, but they often cannot be solved in a stable way due to their complexity. One-dimensional (1D) models can be calculated quickly but are simplified so that the behavior of the cells can no longer be determined accurately. In this contribution, a coupling between a 2D CFD model of the gas channels and a 1D model of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is realized. This method allows not only to determine the location and amount of the condensed water but also to calculate the exact concentration of the reactant gases along the channels. The investigations show that the concentrations of the gases and the relative humidities in the gas channels are strongly influenced by the current density. It has been found that it is not possible to avoid the formation of liquid water at low operating temperatures by controlling the current density.

Suggested Citation

  • Maximilian Schmitz & Fynn Matthiesen & Steffen Dirkes & Stefan Pischinger, 2024. "Predicting Liquid Water Condensation in PEM Fuel Cells by Coupling CFD with 1D Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:1259-:d:1352326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Song Yan & Mingyang Yang & Chuanyu Sun & Sichuan Xu, 2023. "Liquid Water Characteristics in the Compressed Gradient Porosity Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
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