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Modeling of polydisperse droplet transport dynamics in PEMFC cathode channels under pulsating purge conditions: A multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann investigation

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  • Wang, Hao
  • You, Jiaqi
  • Yang, Guogang
  • Huang, Naibao

Abstract

As a critical component in renewable energy conversion systems, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) frequently suffer from water flooding, which hinders oxygen transport and diminishes energy efficiency. Devising efficient water management strategies is paramount to enhancing their performance and durability, thereby advancing the practicality and sustainability of renewable energy technologies. A pseudopotential two-phase multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model is developed to investigate the dynamic behavior of polydisperse droplets subjected to pulsating airflow purging. The results reveal that pulsating flow significantly enhances droplet removal compared to steady flow, with square-wave pulses outperforming sinusoidal pulses due to higher transient shear forces. Droplet spacing, diameter, and relative position critically affect removal efficiency: decreasing spacing, increasing diameter, and prioritizing larger droplets for gas exposure shorten removal time. For instance, square wave pulsating flow reduced droplet removal time by up to 42.95 % compared to steady flow when droplet diameter increased from 80 μm to 120 μm. Post-coalescence, larger droplets exhibited higher migration velocities but greater morphological oscillations due to enhanced inertia and shear-induced deformation. This study demonstrates that pulsating flow dynamically regulates droplet transport via periodic high-shear phases, improving water management in PEMFCs, suppressing potential flooding, and stabilizing system performance under transient renewable energy input conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Hao & You, Jiaqi & Yang, Guogang & Huang, Naibao, 2026. "Modeling of polydisperse droplet transport dynamics in PEMFC cathode channels under pulsating purge conditions: A multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PF).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pf:s0960148125020634
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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