A semi-analytical model for droplet dynamics on the GDL surface of a PEFC electrode

作者：Jarauta Alex^*; Secanell Marc; Pons Prats Jordi; Ryzhakov Pavel; Idelsohn Sergio R; Onate Eugenio

来源：International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2015, 40(15): 5375-5383.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.01.058

• Fuel cells
• Droplet dynamics
• Adhesion force
• Drag force

Water management is one of the key factors in Proton Exchange Fuel Cell (PEFC) performance. The water produced within the fuel cell is evacuated through the gas channels, but at high current densities water can block the channel, thus limiting the current density generated in the fuel cell. A semi-analytical model of a water droplet emerging from a gas diffusion layer pore in a PEFC channel is developed. The transient model contains a detailed adhesion and drag force estimation model. Results show that the predicted values for both drag and surface tension force are higher than the results found in literature. The results for the detachment force are consistent with the experimental data available. Higher air velocity values lead to more deformation of the droplet and oscillation with lower frequency but higher amplitude. Similar effects have been identified when the liquid mass flow is increased, leading to faster detachment of the droplet.

• 出版日期2015-4-27