Simulation of Droplet Dynamics in Channels of an Innovative PEM Fuel Cell with Parallel Flow-Field

In this study, dynamics of droplet movement in the parallel channels of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell was investigated. Surface tension and wall adhesion forces were applied by using of volume of fluid method. Hydrophilic walls and hydrophobic gas diffusion layer were considered. The mechanism of droplet movement with different diameters was examined by using Weber and capillary numbers in the simple and tapered channels. It is illustrated that the flooding was reduced by tapering channel due to increasing of water removal from the gas diffusion layer and increasing of active area for oxygen passage. Therefore the risk of flooding reduces

Keywords:

PEM fuel cell , Flooding , Droplet dynamics , Gas-liquid two-phase flow , Volume of Fluid method.