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A comparative investigation of the operating performance and flow characteristics of regenerative flow compressors for hydrogen recirculation in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Yuhang
  • Lv, He
  • Liu, Xiaoming
  • Wang, Lingzi
  • Feng, Jianmei
  • Peng, Xueyuan

Abstract

Regenerative flow compressors (RFCs) represent a promising option for hydrogen recirculation in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. This study presents a comparison of performance and flow characteristics between three types of RFCs. It is demonstrated that the highest isentropic efficiency is 50 % for the single-flow RFC, 36 % for double-flow RFC with shrouded impeller, and 26 % for double-flow RFC with open impeller. The pressure coefficient of the single-flow RFC is over 20 % higher than the other two. To explain the performance differences, the flow characteristics of the three RFCs are subjected to analysis and comparison. The results indicate that RFC with open impeller exhibits the highest transition loss of 1.2, which is significantly higher than the other two RFCs. The plots of velocity vectors show that single-flow RFC exhibits the most regular and stable flow field, which explains its high efficiency and pressurization capacity. The shrouded impeller connects the bilateral flow channels, leading to mass transfer and resulting in a more turbulent flow field. The open impeller separates the bilateral flow channels, thereby improving the stability of the flow, but induces significant losses in transition regions. It is suggested that single-flow RFC should be prioritized when selecting hydrogen RFCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Yuhang & Lv, He & Liu, Xiaoming & Wang, Lingzi & Feng, Jianmei & Peng, Xueyuan, 2026. "A comparative investigation of the operating performance and flow characteristics of regenerative flow compressors for hydrogen recirculation in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:258:y:2026:i:c:s096014812502590x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124926
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