Numerical Models for Condenser and Evaporator Components of Fuel Cells

Abstract

The objective of this project was to develop analytical models and computer programs for the design and analysis of evaporator and condenser components of modern fuel cells. Mechanistic models were developed for boiling and two-phase flow phenomena in Microchannel-based boilers. The modeled systems included straight Microchannel with known inlet/exit boundary conditions; helicoidally micro-channels with known inlet/exit boundary conditions; straight, parallel micro-channels connected to common inlet and exit plena; and straight, parallel micro-channels connected to common inlet and exit manifolds. Models were also developed for fog formation/droplet growth resulting from the depressurization of a vapor-non-condensable mixture in an expander, and for droplet removal due to droplet-wall impaction when the aforementioned vapor-non-condensable-droplet mixture flows through a cyclone-type separator. Based on these models, computer programs suitable for design and analysis applications were developed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 19, 2002
Accession Number
ADA402908

Entities

People

  • B. B. Mccord
  • Jin Yan
  • S. M. Ghiaasiaan

Organizations

  • Georgia Tech

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Differential Equations
  • Evaporators
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fuel Cells
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Transfer
  • Mathematical Models
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Multiphase Flow
  • Separators
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Thermodynamics
  • Two Phase Flow

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology