Version 1
: Received: 16 November 2023 / Approved: 16 November 2023 / Online: 16 November 2023 (11:26:04 CET)
How to cite:
Weng, F.; Dlamini, M.M.; Tirumalasetti, P.R.; Hung, B.–.; Nelli, D.; Chiu, P.; Hung, C.C. Computational Analysis of Two-Phase Flow Dynamics in a Porous Transport Layer of a PEM Electrolyzer. Preprints2023, 2023111078. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1078.v1
Weng, F.; Dlamini, M.M.; Tirumalasetti, P.R.; Hung, B.–.; Nelli, D.; Chiu, P.; Hung, C.C. Computational Analysis of Two-Phase Flow Dynamics in a Porous Transport Layer of a PEM Electrolyzer. Preprints 2023, 2023111078. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1078.v1
Weng, F.; Dlamini, M.M.; Tirumalasetti, P.R.; Hung, B.–.; Nelli, D.; Chiu, P.; Hung, C.C. Computational Analysis of Two-Phase Flow Dynamics in a Porous Transport Layer of a PEM Electrolyzer. Preprints2023, 2023111078. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1078.v1
APA Style
Weng, F., Dlamini, M.M., Tirumalasetti, P.R., Hung, B.–., Nelli, D., Chiu, P., & Hung, C.C. (2023). Computational Analysis of Two-Phase Flow Dynamics in a Porous Transport Layer of a PEM Electrolyzer. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1078.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Weng, F., Pin-Chi Chiu and Chen Chia Hung. 2023 "Computational Analysis of Two-Phase Flow Dynamics in a Porous Transport Layer of a PEM Electrolyzer" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202311.1078.v1
Abstract
This research presents a comprehensive computational analysis of the two-phase flow dynamics within a three-dimensional porous transport layer (PTL) in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. Employing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a volume of fluid (VOF) approach, the study utilizes the finite-volume method to model a time-dependent, isothermal process within a laminar flow regime. Notably, the study treats oxygen as the dispersed phase and water as the continuous phase within the system. Investigations on the anode side uncovered the formation of gas bubbles on the electrode's surface subsequent to the electrochemical reaction. The simulation, spanning 5 seconds with 0.25-second intervals, highlights the critical role of the time interval between the initiation and 2 seconds in achieving pressure and velocity equilibrium within the PTL. The initial 0.75 seconds witnessed a peak in oxygen concentration, followed by its movement across the PTL, exhibiting a transition from regions of lower to higher concentration, consistent with known physical behaviour. Remarkably, the model recorded the highest pressure of 3.5 Pa at 0.25 s. Furthermore, the study observed an incremental pressure drop from 0.25 s to 0.5 s and 1 s, approximately amounting to 28.5% and 20%, respectively, ultimately leading to a uniform pressure distribution within the model. Over time, the pressure drop intensified across the entire model due to the evolving nature of the oxygen gas. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of two-phase flow processes within PEM electrolyzers, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
