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Water management is one of the key factors in Proton Exchange Fuel Cell (PEFC) performance. The water produced within the fuel cell is evacuated through the gas channels, but at high current densities water can block the channel, thus limiting the current density generated in the fuel cell. A semi-analytical model of a water droplet emerging from a gas diffusion layer pore in a PEFC channel is developed. The transient model contains a detailed adhesion and drag force estimation model. Results show that the predicted values for both drag and surface tension force are higher than the results found in literature. The results for the detachment force are consistent with the experimental data available. Higher air velocity values lead to more deformation of the droplet and oscillation with lower frequency but higher amplitude. Similar effects have been identified when the liquid mass flow is increased, leading to faster detachment of the droplet.

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An embedded Eulerian-Lagrangian formulation for the simulation of droplet dynamics within a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) channel is presented. Air is modeled using an Eulerian formulation, whereas water is described with a Lagrangian framework. Using this framework, the gas-liquid interface can be accurately identified. The surface tension force is computed using the curvature defined by the boundary of the Lagrangian mesh. The method naturally accounts for material property changes across the interface and accurately represents the pressure discontinuity. A sessile drop in a horizontal surface, a sessile drop in an inclined plane and droplets in a PEFC channel are solved for as numerical examples and compared to experimental data. Numerical results are in excellent agreement with experimental data. Numerical results are also compared to results obtained with the semi-analytical model previously developed by the authors in order to discuss the limitations of the semi-analytical approach.

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The development of innovative technologies is increasingly oriented towards electrification of vehicle propulsion systems expected to lead to: a reduction of harmful emissions, an increased efficiency of vehicles, improved performances, a reduction of fuel consumption, a reduction of noise, and potentially lower maintenance costs. An electric drive technology implies a technol‐ ogy employing at least one drive device called electric motor. Three key electric drive technol‐ ogies are: hybrid electric, battery electric, and fuel cell electric technologies. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

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TNO Automotive is developing an Integrated Powertrain Control (IPC) concept for powertrain controls that focuses on integration of the engine, aftertreatment and parallel hybrid electric system. One of the first steps is the focus on hybrid assisted Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration. For inner-city distribution trucks the legislation on particulate matter is becoming more stringent. This means that diesel particulate filters will be increasingly applied to inner-city distribution trucks. The fact that these trucks often operate at idle- and part-load poses a great challenge to the successful regeneration of the DPF. Based on a simulation study, the capability of hybrid-assisted DPF regeneration is shown, along with the additional requirements placed on the hybrid components.

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