Characterisation of the diffusion properties of metal foam hybrid flow-fields for fuel cells using optical flow visualisation and X-ray computed tomography

JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES

卷:395

Article

Fly, A.¹  Butcher, D.¹  Meyer, Q.^2,4  Whiteley, M.²  Spencer, A.¹  Kim, C.³  Shearing, P. R.²  Brett, D. J. L.²  Chen, R.¹ 

[1] Loughborough Univ Technol, Dept Aeronaut & Automot Engn, Loughborough, Leics, England

[2] UCL, Dept Chem Engn, Electrochem Innovat Lab, London, England

[3] Korea Inst Energy Res, Seoul, South Korea

[4] UNSW, Sch Chem, Nanoelectrochem Grp, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

关键词: Metal foam;    Flow-field;    PEMFC;    Flow distribution;    X-ray CT;    Residence time;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.05.070

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The flow distribution behaviour of open-cell metallic foam fuel cell flow-fields are evaluated using ex-situ optical analysis and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). Five different manifold designs are evaluated and flow distribution and pressure drop quantitatively evaluated with reference to applications in polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and heat exchangers. A 'hybrid' foam flow-field is presented consisting of flow channels pressed into the foam to promote flow distribution and reduce pressure drop. Cross- and through-channel pressure drop measurements are conducted, along with X-ray CT analysis. Results using dyed water show that metallic foams provide excellent fluid distribution across the fuel cell flow-field, closely following the theoretical filling rate. The time for dye to cover 80% of the flow-field area was 61% faster with a foam flow-field then with no flow-field present. Pressure drop was seen to reduce with increasing foam inlet area to levels comparable to multi-serpentine flow-fields. The introduction of flow channels in the foam can further reduce pressure drop and provide more even filling of the foam, at the expense of increased residence time.

【 授权许可】

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