Numerical analysis of liquid water droplets removal in gas channels of a PEM fuel cell

Chin Hsiang Cheng, Wei Shan Han, Chun I. Lee, Huan Ruei Shiu, Ssu Tai Lin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The present study is concerned with the dynamic behavior of the liquid water droplets in the water removal process in the serpentine channels of a PEM fuel cell based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation. The volume of fluid (VOF) model is adopted to trace the interface between the liquid and the gas phases such that the motion of the liquid droplets can be observed. Effects of the incoming velocity are evaluated. In addition, the surface hydrophobic properties are influential to the droplets motion; therefore, the contact angle of the liquid droplet attached on the channel wall has been varied. In addition, the orientation of the bipolar plate is regarded as another important parameter in the present study. Results show that among these parameters considered, the incoming flow velocity and the contact angle are two key parameters which greatly affect the dynamic behavior of the liquid droplets. The liquid droplets attached on the wall of the bipolar plate can be removed by the gas flow only when the contact angle or the incoming flow velocity is sufficiently high.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnergy Systems Analysis, Thermodynamics and Sustainability; NanoEngineering for Energy; Engineering to Address Climate Change
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pages945-953
Number of pages9
EditionPARTS A AND B
ISBN (Print)9780791844298
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010 - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: 2010 Nov 122010 Nov 18

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
NumberPARTS A AND B
Volume5

Conference

ConferenceASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period10-11-1210-11-18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanical Engineering

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