The effect of two-phase flows on PEM water electrolysis cell performance

In this study, three types of flow channels including single serpentine, double serpentine, and parallel were compared to investigate the relationship between two-phase flows and the cell performance in the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Pressure drop between the inlet and outlet was measured at the anode channel, and flow patterns affecting the cell performance were investigated using high-speed optical imaging. The single serpentine channel exhibited the best performance among the flow channels used in the experiment because an annular flow with a thin liquid film continuously provided water, preventing performance degradation. The parallel channel performed the worst owing to the slug flow accompanied by Taylor bubbles, which interrupted the water supply.