Water Droplet Flow in Fuel Cells

In PEM fuel cells, the water produced from the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and air is transported through the porous membrane and forms distinct droplets on the gas diffusion layer (GDL) surface. Those droplets as they become larger and larger may be detached from the location of their formation from the air flowing around them. This particular flow process is closely associated with the estimation of the adhesion forces acting between the solid-liquid-gas contact-line. GFS code is able to capture this effect. In addition, the droplet dynamics when it is simultaneously in contact with more than one solid surfaces with different adhesion forces can be also predicted.

Examples of calculated cases are given below.

CCD images and predictions of droplet deformation attached to a solid surface under the influence of a cross flow. Variable (as function of the specific surface material) and dynamically changing advancing and receding contact angles are used for capturing droplet detachment.

(click image for animation)

Prediction of water droplet flow in a rectangular channel having solid surfaces with different contact angles and thus different adhesion forces between liquid droplet and the surface. Initial detachment from the bottom surface is followed by contact and attachment with the side and the top surfaces

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