Simulation of Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics for the Optimal Operating Conditions of a Gas-to-Gas Membrane Humidifier with Porous Metal Foam

Hyesoo Jang,Yul-Seong Kim,Sang-Kyun Park,Byung Chul Choi,Myoung-Hwan Kim

doi:10.3390/en13195110

Hyesoo Jang, Yul-Seong Kim + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en13195110

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Abstract

The shell-and-tube type gas-to-gas membrane humidifier used with air supply to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell supplies heat and vapor through a membrane and does not require an additional power source. Packing porous metal foam in the flow path of the membrane humidifier can result in higher heat and mass transfer efficiencies due to heat conduction through metal. In this study, the influence of various operating conditions and types of porous metal foams on the transport characteristics of the membrane humidifier are evaluated by simulation. The main factor causing the improvement of heat and mass transfer is the high conductivity of the porous metal foam, which is significantly correlated with the type of material used, compression ratio, and pore diameter. Additionally, the heat and mass transfer changes significantly when the flow velocity and channel size change due to the effect of the metal foam becoming more pronounced.

Highlights

The fuel cell (FC) is a powerful source of electricity because of its high energy density per volume and weight
The efficiency of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) could be reduced by a lack of humidity, which could lead to the decrease of ion conductivity, and by excessive humidity, which could increase resistance of migration of ions and oxygen [1]
Various studies have been conducted on the heat and mass transfer characteristics related to the shape and configuration of the gas flow channel

Summary

Introduction

The fuel cell (FC) is a powerful source of electricity because of its high energy density per volume and weight. The efficiency of the PEMFC could be reduced by a lack of humidity, which could lead to the decrease of ion conductivity, and by excessive humidity, which could increase resistance of migration of ions and oxygen [1]. It is, necessary to use a proper humidifier for ideal relative humidity. The gas-to-gas membrane humidifier can simultaneously transfer heat and mass, requires no additional power source, and offers a simple operation It is considered suitable as a PEMFC humidifier for mobile applications. The objective is to increase heat and mass transfer efficiency, while minimizing differential

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Conclusion