Fuel cells micropores flow via Lattice Bolzmann simulations

• Grant number: 22/03641-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Luís Fernando Mercier Franco
• Grantee: Daniel Zagatto Chan
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/02713-8 - Molecular dynamics of confined fluids: equilibrium and transport properties, AP.JP

Abstract

The present study aims at simulating laminar fluid flows using Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), particularly to understand the interaction mechanisms among the reactants within micropores in ethanol fuel cell membranes. This emergent technology has a great potential in the Brazilian energy scenario, since a complete infrastructure already is present in the country for this fuel. Moreover, the application of the Lattice Boltzmann method will be followed by the development of code to simulate, not only classical laminar flow situations, but also situations related to the main object of study (fuel cells). Finally, the obtained results will be analyzed in terms of: velocity profiles, permeability, and tortuosity. Thus, it is expected to reach conclusions on the technology viability, possible bottlenecks in its application and possible improvements, within the realm of fluid dynamics.(AU)