A Lumped-Mass Model of Membrane Humidifier for PEMFC

Hoang Nghia Vu, Xuan Linh Nguyen and Sangseok Yu
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Hoang Nghia Vu: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
Xuan Linh Nguyen: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
Sangseok Yu: School of Mechanical Engineering, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-16

Abstract: Maintaining the performance of a fuel cell stack requires appropriate management of water in the membrane electrode. One solution is to apply an external humidifier to the supply gases. However, the operating conditions change continuously, which significantly affects the humidifier performance and supply gas characteristics. A straightforward humidifier module is needed for integration with the fuel cell system model. In this study, a lumped-mass model was used to simulate a hollow-fiber membrane humidifier and investigate the effects of various input conditions on the humidifier performance. The lumped-mass model can account for heat transfer and vapor transport in the membrane bundle without losing simplicity. The humidifier module was divided into three parts: a heat and mass exchanger in the middle and two manifolds at the ends of the exchanger. These components were modeled separately and linked to each other according to the flow characteristics. Simulations were performed to determine the humidifier response under both steady-state and transient conditions, and water saturation was observed in the outlet manifold that may affect the humidifier performance. The findings on the effects of the operating conditions and humidifier dimensions on the cathode gas can be used to improve humidifier design and control.

Keywords: fuel cell system; membrane humidifier; heat and mass transfer; lumped-mass model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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