Khosravi, Milad, Butler, Philip, Ahmadi, Hamed orcid.org/0000-0001-5508-8757 et al. (2 more authors) (2025) Advanced ejector design for hydrogen fuel cells using computational simulations and genetic algorithms. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 151396. ISSN: 0360-3199
Abstract
Hydrogen recirculation is a key component in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems, essential for minimizing fuel loss, enhancing efficiency, and supporting water management. This study investigates a passive recirculation strategy using an ejector, an energy-efficient device with no moving parts, making it suitable for applications where simplicity, reliability, and weight are critical, such as in automotive and aerospace sectors. A hybrid computational framework is developed by integrating high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize key ejector parameters, including nozzle radius, exit position, mixing chamber length, and diffuser radius. Optimization is performed directly on full CFD simulations using a high-performance computing cluster, avoiding surrogate models and ensuring accuracy. The model is validated against experimental and theoretical data from the literature. Optimization aims to maximize suction capacity based on a commercial 110-cell PEMFC stack rated at 20.4 kW, operating between 0 and 180 A. The resulting design achieves stable performance from 48 An upwards, significantly broadening the operational range compared to prior ejector configurations. In addition to providing a technical solution for fuel cell gas management, this study establishes a transferable optimization methodology that can support ejector integration in other clean energy systems.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Computational fluid dynamics,Ejector optimization,Genetic algorithm,Hydrogen recirculation systems,Proton exchange membrane fuel cells |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Electronic Engineering (York) |
Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2025 11:50 |
Last Modified: | 08 Oct 2025 03:10 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151396 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151396 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:231321 |