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The effect of two-phase flows on PEM water electrolysis cell performance

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Abstract

In this study, three types of flow channels including single serpentine, double serpentine, and parallel were compared to investigate the relationship between two-phase flows and the cell performance in the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Pressure drop between the inlet and outlet was measured at the anode channel, and flow patterns affecting the cell performance were investigated using high-speed optical imaging. The single serpentine channel exhibited the best performance among the flow channels used in the experiment because an annular flow with a thin liquid film continuously provided water, preventing performance degradation. The parallel channel performed the worst owing to the slug flow accompanied by Taylor bubbles, which interrupted the water supply.

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Abbreviations

A :

Reaction area

F :

Faraday’s constant

I :

Current

M :

Molar mass of water

P :

Pressure

Q :

Flow rate

V :

Voltage

E e :

Power for electrolysis

E p :

Pum** power

Δ2φ :

Pressure drop in two-phase flow

ΔP W :

Pressure drop in water flow

Φ 2w :

Two-phase multiplier

λ :

Electro-stoichiometric ratio

ρ :

Water density

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Chosun University, Korea (2022).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-Daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Korea

    Seong Kuen Kim & Sung Yong Jung

Authors
  1. Seong Kuen Kim
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  2. Sung Yong Jung
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sung Yong Jung.

Additional information

Sung Yong Jung is an Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea. He received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from POSTECH (Pohang Universit of Science of Technology), Korea. From 2013 to 2016, he worked at Engine & Machinery Research Institute, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea as a Lead Researcher. His research interests include fluid engineering, flow visualization, flow control, fuel cell, and water electrolysis.

Seong Keun Kim is Ph.D. candidate of Mechanical Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea. He received his master degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chosun University. His research interests include fluid engineering, flow visualization, flow control, and water electrolysis.

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Kim, S.K., Jung, S.Y. The effect of two-phase flows on PEM water electrolysis cell performance. J Mech Sci Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-024-2106-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-024-2106-5

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