Development of an ejector for passive hydrogen recirculation in PEM fuel cell systems by applying 2D CFD simulation

Abstract

The anode subsystem is a major energy consumer of polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems. A passive hydrogen recirculation system, like an ejector, is an excellent solution to maximize hydrogen utilization while maintaining low parasitic losses. However, high development efforts are necessary to maximize the performance of the ejector for the entire operating range. This research paper provides part of a toolchain for ejector development, consisting in particular of a multi-parameter simulation based on rotational symmetric 2D CFD. The 2D CFD greatly helps optimize the design of the ejector, reducing development effort, and increasing accuracy. In addition, the main correlations between thermodynamic states and geometry on the entrainment ratio are evaluated. Subsequently, an ejector is designed for a PEM fuel cell application using 2D CFD and the results show in which operating range a single ejector can be applied. This toolchain enables rapid design and optimization of ejector geometry, saving development time and cost while increasing accuracy and extending the operating range.