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Dynamic correlation mechanisms of water distribution and pressure drop in PEMFCs based on optical visualization technology

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Xi
  • Wu, Yongxiong
  • Ke, Yuzhi
  • Xiang, Ruiheng
  • Zhu, Siming
  • Chu, Xuyang
  • Qin, Lifeng
  • Jiang, Shangfeng
  • Su, Liang
  • Zhu, Xinning
  • Zhou, Wei

Abstract

As a core technology for green hydrogen utilization in renewable energy systems, the efficient operation of hydrogen fuel cells relies heavily on precise water management, highlighting the importance of accurately characterizing water distribution and dynamic behavior within flow channels. In this study, a visualization system with high temporal resolution and two-phase water identification was developed, enabling real-time distinction and area calculation of two-phases. A dynamic coupling relationship between water coverage and pressure drop was established, and the influence of operating parameters on water accumulation behavior was quantitatively evaluated. The results show that two-phase water exhibits a cyclical evolution process of growth, coalescence, and expulsion. The maximum water coverage remained below 20 %, with a reduction of up to 53.03 % during the expulsion. The pressure drop required to trigger the first expulsion varied substantially under different conditions, with the largest difference between threshold values reaching 50.75 %. Moreover, weight analysis revealed that temperature and current are the dominant influencing factors, with respective contributions of 39.86 % and 39.84 %, followed by stoichiometric ratio (12.51 %) and back pressure (7.79 %). This study provides a theoretical and empirical basis for water management, flow field optimization, and the efficient application of fuel cells in renewable hydrogen energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Xi & Wu, Yongxiong & Ke, Yuzhi & Xiang, Ruiheng & Zhu, Siming & Chu, Xuyang & Qin, Lifeng & Jiang, Shangfeng & Su, Liang & Zhu, Xinning & Zhou, Wei, 2026. "Dynamic correlation mechanisms of water distribution and pressure drop in PEMFCs based on optical visualization technology," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PD).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pd:s0960148125017720
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124108
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