Numerical and experimental analysis of effects of marine motions on multiphysics transport processes and electrochemical reactions in proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a promising hydrogen energy solution for marine applications. However, marine motion induced by waves and wind can significantly affect the gas-water multiphase flow within the channels and membrane, particularly in large cell and stack. In this study, both mathematical modeling and experimental investigations were conducted to analyze multiphase transport and electrochemical reactions under typical marine motion loads. The effects of viscous and inertial on multiphase flow and the associated electrochemical reactions within the channel and membrane were also investigated during periodic marine motion. The results indicated that marine pitch and roll motions significantly influenced multiphase flow in the PEMFC cathode. Inertial forces periodically delayed the movement of oxygen and water, leading to periodic nonuniformity and electrochemical degradation. Current densities of 4550–5000 A/m² under pitch and 4625–5000 A/m² under roll were 3.05 % and 2.28 % lower, respectively, than the 4700–5150 A/m² observed under stationary conditions. Both experimental and predicted results highlighted the detrimental impact of marine motion loads, particularly pitch, on multiphase transport and electrochemical reactions, with higher current densities exacerbating nonuniformity and causing localized oxygen starvation.