Three-dimensional multiphase flow model to study channel flow dynamics of PEM fuel cells

Abstract

A three-dimensional multiphase flow model has been developed to study dynamics of a water droplet on the surface of the channel of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Results are presented based on solving full Navier–Stokes equations for Newtonian liquids. The volume-of-fluid method is used to numerically determine the deformation of free surfaces. Water droplet and channel fluid properties determine whether the droplet deforms and remain stationary or disintegrate. We have shown the dependency of the water flooding to the flow rate and pressure drop in the channel has been introduced as a tool to determine water flooding in the channel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.