Technical Paper
CFD simulation of droplet dynamics on realistic structures of PEM FC channels and GDL surface
2024-04-09
2024-01-2181
In this paper, water droplet dynamics in FC channels were investigated by applying numerical and experimental methodologies. Specifically, digital imaging with high-spatial resolution was applied for characterising the micro-channel surface and defining the texture of the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) of a Membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The optical results allowed the definition of a 3D geometry of the GDL to use in CFD simulations. Moreover, a custom procedure of image processing permitted the estimation of the contact angles of droplets deposited on the GDL (123°) and channel walls (50°-60°) for a wide range of droplet size (0.3-1.2mm). The determined specifications were used as boundary conditions for a 3D CFD two phase simulation employing the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model. Droplets were initialized on the walls and their dynamics were studied under increasing air flow, up to 20 m/s.