Numerical investigation of PEM electrolysis cell with the new interdigitated-jet hole flow field

Abstract

The flow field structure has important influences on the mass and heat transfer and the distribution uniformity in the proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC). In this paper, the application and operation modes and the structural parameters of the new interdigitated-jet hole flow field (JHFF) are explored, to guide the processing of the JHFF and provide references for experimental testing. A three-dimensional and two-phase model is established to simulate the effect of JHFF on the performance of PEMEC. The results demonstrate that compared with the application of JHFF only on the anode side, the application of JHFF on both sides of the anode and cathode can increase the temperature distribution uniformity and polarization performance by 41.78% and 16.25%, respectively. By increasing the number of inlet flow channels and using the counter-flow water supply mode, the temperature distribution can be more uniform. The lower the height of jet holes, the better the normal mass transfer and polarization performance, while the worse the temperature distribution uniformity. Reducing the diameter of the inlet jet holes can improve the normal mass transfer performance in the porous electrode. Synthetically, the hole height of 0.2 mm and the hole diameter of 0.4 mm are recommended. The findings provide theoretical guidance for the practical application of JHFF in PEMEC so that the positive role of JHFF in improving electrolysis performance can be fully realized.