Analysis of a shell-and-tube type gas-to-gas membrane humidifier for an automotive polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell power system

作者：Park S K; Choe S Y; Lim T W; Kim J S; Seo D H; Choi J H^*

来源：International Journal of Automotive Technology, 2013, 14(3): 449-457.

DOI：10.1007/s12239-013-0049-4

• Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
• Gas-to-gas membrane humidifier
• Shell-and-tube
• Mass transfer
• Heat transfer

The water balance in the membranes of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a crucial factor in the maintenance of the proton conductivities. At the same time, the water generated in the catalysts must be removed to prevent flooding on the cathode side, which blocks oxygen from reaching the catalyst. Because of these somewhat contradictory requirements, attention must be paid to water management, which directly affects the performance and durability of the PEM fuel cell. A gas-to-gas humidifier constructed with membranes is the most feasible solution and can humidify the stack in mobile applications because it requires no extra power supply or moving parts, which in turn provides advantages for the design of vehicles. This work proposes a mathematical model that describes the behavior of a humidifier constructed with a shell and tubes that employs the heat and mass transfer principles of thermodynamics. The results from simulations are compared with experimental data. In addition, analyses of the static and dynamic behaviors of the humidifier are conducted while considering the geometric design parameters and operating conditions. Finally, the dynamic response to variations in the flow rate is investigated.

• 出版日期2013-6