Modeling an Ejector for Hydrogen Recirculation in a PEM Fuel Cell

X. Corbella [1], R. Torres [2], J. Grau [2], M. Allué [3],
[1] Escola Universitària d’Enginyeria Tècnica Industrial de Barcelona (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Barcelona, Spain
[2] Fluid Mechanics Department (Escola Universitària d’Enginyeria Tècnica Industrial de Barcelona - Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Barcelona, Spain
[3] Institut de Robòtica I Informàtica Industrial (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Barcelona, Spain
Published in 2015

PEM Fuel Cells’ durability and performance can be increased using an ejector based hydrogen recirculation system. In this work, a CFD model has been implemented to simulate the flow within an ejector used to recirculate hydrogen in PEM Fuel Cell systems. The model has been validated experimentally and has been used to design and manufacture an ejector that will be implemented in a fuel cell test station at IRI's Fuel Cells Laboratory. Its geometry has been obtained through a parametric studio to find the optimum geometrical parameters that produce the desired mass flows for the different working conditions of the system.