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Structural Design and Optimization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Ejector

Author

Listed:
  • Hangyu Jiang

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China)

  • Zhou Zhao

    (Higer Bus Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215062, China)

  • Peiyong Ni

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China)

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) produce electrical energy using hydrogen as an energy source, characterized by enhanced energy conversion efficiency and diminished emissions, contributing to the sustainable development of energy. The hydrogen ejector is essential for improving the hydrogen utilization efficiency in PEMFCs. In this study, the theoretical design and simulation optimization of a hydrogen ejector used for a hydrogen fuel cell are performed in order to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen ejector. According to Sokolov’s design method, the dimensions of the ejector nozzle and mixing chamber were calculated. A three-dimensional fluid simulation model of the ejector was established, and the accuracy of the model was verified by the experimental results. The influences of the nozzle outlet distance, the mixing chamber diameter, the length–diameter ratio of the mixing chamber, and the nozzle curvature on the ejector ratio were studied under multiple working conditions, and the optimal structural size of the ejector was obtained to satisfy the working conditions. It was found that the maximum ejector ratio of 1.21 could be achieved at a nozzle exit distance of 9 mm, a mixing chamber diameter of 7 mm, a mixing chamber length–diameter ratio of 9, and a nozzle curvature of 0.02. This work can provide some insights into the relationship between the structural parameters and performance of hydrogen ejectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Hangyu Jiang & Zhou Zhao & Peiyong Ni, 2024. "Structural Design and Optimization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Ejector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:10089-:d:1524406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Chen, Huicui & Pei, Pucheng & Song, Mancun, 2015. "Lifetime prediction and the economic lifetime of Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 154-163.
    3. Liu, Zhiyang & Chen, Jian & Liu, Hao & Yan, Chizhou & Hou, Yang & He, Qinggang & Zhang, Jiujun & Hissel, Daniel, 2020. "Anode purge management for hydrogen utilization and stack durability improvement of PEM fuel cell systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
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    5. 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.
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