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A two-dimensional numerical study of oxygen transport in porous transport layer of PEMEC using the phase field method

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Zhiming
  • Wang, Xinru
  • Guo, Hao
  • Wang, Tieying
  • Li, Xueqiang
  • Liu, Shengchun
  • Xu, Chao
  • Wang, Kaichen

Abstract

The proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC) involves complex multi-physical processes, and the two-phase transport in the anode porous transport layer (PTL) significantly impacts cell performance. In this paper, a two-dimensional model that couples the flow channel and PTL is developed using COMSOL software based on the phase-field method, and the motion state of oxygen transport in the PTL with different porosities is analyzed in detail. Then, the effects of fluid parameters on oxygen transport in the PTL are investigated. The results show that increasing the liquid water velocity, outlet pressure and reducing surface tension don't alter the oxygen transport pathway in the PTL, but can promote the detachment of oxygen bubble from the PTL with a small volume, reduce bubble diameter and easily break through the limiting throat, respectively. Dispersed bubbly flow are most beneficial for water transport to the electrode, whereas other flow patterns block the water transport through the PTL surface to the electrode. Therefore, strategies such as increasing liquid water velocity, operating at high pressure, reducing surface tension through magnetic field treatment and shortening the flow channel can be employed to improve the two-phase flow and the performance of PEMEC.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Zhiming & Wang, Xinru & Guo, Hao & Wang, Tieying & Li, Xueqiang & Liu, Shengchun & Xu, Chao & Wang, Kaichen, 2025. "A two-dimensional numerical study of oxygen transport in porous transport layer of PEMEC using the phase field method," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:247:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125007062
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123044
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