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Ejectors in Hydrogen Recirculation for PEMFC-Based Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Design, Operation, and Numerical Simulations

Author

Listed:
  • Masoud Arabbeiki

    (Department of Energy (DENERG), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy)

  • Mohsen Mansourkiaei

    (Department of Energy (DENERG), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy)

  • Domenico Ferrero

    (Department of Energy (DENERG), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy)

  • Massimo Santarelli

    (Department of Energy (DENERG), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy)

Abstract

Fuel cell systems often utilize a hydrogen recirculation system to redirect and transport surplus hydrogen back to the anode, which enhances fuel consumption and boosts the efficiency of the fuel cell. Hydrogen recirculation pumps and ejectors are the most investigated systems. Ejectors are gaining recognition as an essential device in fuel cell systems. However, their application in hydrogen recirculation systems is often limited by a narrow operational range. Therefore, it is advantageous to compile the present condition of the study on various ejector shapes as well as configurations that can accommodate a broader operational range, along with the numerical simulations employed in these studies. This paper begins by examining the structure and operation of ejectors. It then compares and analyzes the latest advancements in research on ejector-based hydrogen recirculation systems with extended operating ranges and reviews the details of numerical simulations of ejectors, which are crucial for the development of innovative and efficient ejectors. This study provides key insights and recommendations for integrating hydrogen ejectors into the hydrogen cycle system of fuel cell engines.

Suggested Citation

  • Masoud Arabbeiki & Mohsen Mansourkiaei & Domenico Ferrero & Massimo Santarelli, 2024. "Ejectors in Hydrogen Recirculation for PEMFC-Based Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Design, Operation, and Numerical Simulations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:19:p:4815-:d:1486077
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pei, Pucheng & Ren, Peng & Li, Yuehua & Wu, Ziyao & Chen, Dongfang & Huang, Shangwei & Jia, Xiaoning, 2019. "Numerical studies on wide-operating-range ejector based on anodic pressure drop characteristics in proton exchange membrane fuel cell system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 729-738.
    2. Kuo, Jenn-Kun & Hsieh, Chun-Yao, 2021. "Numerical investigation into effects of ejector geometry and operating conditions on hydrogen recirculation ratio in 80 kW PEM fuel cell system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    3. Qusay Hassan & Itimad D. J. Azzawi & Aws Zuhair Sameen & Hayder M. Salman, 2023. "Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Jenssen, Dirk & Berger, Oliver & Krewer, Ulrike, 2017. "Improved PEM fuel cell system operation with cascaded stack and ejector-based recirculation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 324-333.
    5. Ding, Hongbing & Dong, Yuanyuan & Zhang, Yu & Yang, Yan & Wen, Chuang, 2023. "Energy efficiency assessment of hydrogen recirculation ejectors for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 346(C).
    6. Jun Shen & Zhichun Liu & Fan Liu & Wei Liu, 2018. "Numerical Simulation of Water Transport in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Flow Channel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-23, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Li, Chao & Fu, Jianqin & Que, Wenshuai & Guo, Wenjun, 2025. "Adjustable flow ejectors: research status and development trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    2. Krystof Foniok & Lubomira Drozdova & Lukas Prokop & Filip Krupa & Pavel Kedron & Vojtech Blazek, 2025. "Mechanisms and Modelling of Effects on the Degradation Processes of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-64, April.

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