Two Phase Computional Fluid Dynamics Simulation of droplets Motion in Cathode Gas Flow Channels and Manifold of PEMFC

For conquering the crisis of the diminution of fossil fuels resources and environmental problems owing to their excessive consumption, some alternative technologies have been introduced. Among these possible choices, the fuel cell technology is a prominent candidate for a large scale and long term energy source. Between different types of fuel cells, the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) attracts greatest interest for its noticeable advantages and more over for being a “Green Energy” as it simply generates electricity by combining Oxygen and Hydrogen and producing merely water. However, the most important hindrances in the way of commercializing this technology are those associated with water and heat management in PEM fuel cells. In the present work the dynamic and droplet motion mechanisms is simulated by Volume of Fluid (VOF) two phase technique and implementing of Hoffman function as hysteresis model. In this study, the dynamic contact angle of the droplet motion is considered and the dynamic motion of the droplet is investigated in an application geometry that includes the manifolds of the gas flow distributor in the PEMFC. The effect of the manifold slopes on the discharge of liquid water droplets compare to straight manifold has also been studied. By changing the geometry of the inlet and outlet manifolds, the problem created in conventional geometry, which causes the obstruction of the channel caused by liquid water, is overcome, thus improving geometry improves water management in the channels.