Seeking minimum entropy production for a tree-like flow-field in a fuel cell
Marco Sauermoser, Signe Kjelstrup, Natalya Kizilova, Bruno G. Pollet, Eirik G. Flekkøy
Abstract
of the inlet channel and the width scaling parameter, a, of the tree-shaped flow-field channels were varied, and the resulting Peclet number at the channel outlets was computed. We show, using 3D hydrodynamic calculations as a reference, that pressure drops and channel flows can be accounted for within a few percents by a quasi-1D model, for most of the investigated geometries. Overall, the model gives lower energy dissipation than Murray's law. The results provide new tools and open up new possibilities for flow-field designs characterized by uniform fuel delivery in fuel cells and other catalytic systems.
Topics & Concepts
Péclet numberMechanicsEntropy productionOpen-channel flowScalingVector fieldConcentration polarizationFlow (mathematics)Entropy (arrow of time)Proton exchange membrane fuel cellGeometryPhysicsMaterials scienceThermodynamicsFuel cellsMathematicsChemistryMembraneEngineeringBiochemistryChemical engineeringFuel Cells and Related MaterialsElectrocatalysts for Energy ConversionAdvanced Memory and Neural Computing