Improving Water Management in Fuel Cell Flow Channels via Oscillation of Water Droplets

	Clean Technology 2008 Chapter 8: Water Clean Technologies
	Improving Water Management in Fuel Cell Flow Channels via Oscillation of Water Droplets
Authors:	R. Schultz, J. Diebel, J. Allen
Affilation:	Michigan Technological University, US
Pages:	514 - 516
Keywords:	fuel cell, water management, fluidic oscillator
Abstract:	To achieve maximum efficiency and reliability in a PEM fuel cell, a balance between keeping the membrane from becoming too dry or too wet must be monitored carefully. At present, product water is moved through the channels to the exit via the gas flow only. The movement of the water drops in the gas flow channels is inhibited by pinning of the three-phase region where the gas, liquid and solid coincide. This paper discusses enhanced water removal from the gas flow channels of a PEM fuel cell by oscillation of water drops near their natural frequency. The oscillations are induced through modulation of the reactant gas flow using fluidic elements. This technique has significant potential due to the absence of external actuators and controls. There are no moving parts and the oscillators could be cast directly into the bipolar plates during manufacturing.
ISBN:	1-4200-8502-0
Pages:	724
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
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Clean Technology 2008

Chapter 8: Water Clean Technologies

Improving Water Management in Fuel Cell Flow Channels via Oscillation of Water Droplets