Effect of high-intensity vibration parameter on droplet transport characteristics in gas channel of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

In aerospace applications, proton exchange membrane fuel cells are subject to high-intensity vibration. Vibration has a substantial effect on water transport in fuel cells. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of multi-directional and high-intensity vibration conditions on fuel cells. In this study, the droplet transport characteristics in the gas channel under high-intensity vibration conditions are investigated for the first time. Moreover, the effects of vibration direction and vibration frequency on the droplet dynamic transport process are specifically studied. The droplet transport state, drainage performance, and pressure drop variation in the gas channel under different vibration conditions are analyzed and interpreted. The results show that low-frequency vibration in the longitudinal direction is more conducive to the droplet discharge, and the pressure drop undergoes a periodic change corresponding to the vibration frequency. Vertical vibration promotes droplet detachment from the gas diffusion layer surface, which contributes to the reduction in water coverage ratio on its surface, despite an increase in the channel pressure drop. Under the influence of horizontal vibration, droplets are more susceptible to adsorption on the channel sidewalls and turn into a liquid film, which leads to a longer discharge time and a reduction in pressure drop.