Multiphase flow simulations for alkaline water electrolysis: a parametric study towards cell design optimisation

Van Droogenbroek, Kevin;Aissa Berraies, Ahmed;Abedini, Hamed;Scheid, Benoit;Proost, Joris
(2026) International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer — Vol. 273, p. 129721 (2027)

Files

Multiphase flow simulations for alkaline water electrolysis - a parametric study towards cell design optimisation.pdf
  • Open Access
  • Adobe PDF
  • 6.19 MB
Download

Details

Authors
  • Van Droogenbroek, Kevinorcid-logo
    Author
  • Aissa Berraies, Ahmed
    Author
  • Abedini, Hamed
    Author
  • Scheid, Benoitorcid-logo
    Author
  • Proost, Joris
    Author
Abstract
In this work, multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to analyse and optimise alkaline water electrolysis cells. A quantitative methodology is proposed to compare different cell geometries through the introduction of a representative parameter that captures the efficiency and uniformity of gas removal as a function of current density. Cell configurations that limit gas accumulation while at the same time promoting homogeneous gas evacuation are identified. The influence of the positioning of gas outlet channels is first investigated, as it plays a crucial role in efficient bubble removal. Our results show that these outlet locations strongly affect multiphase transport. In addition, the impact of the porous transport layer (PTL) is examined. The simulations indicate that more open structures, such as knitted mesh-type spacers, promote more balanced gas outflows compared to highly porous foam structures within the configurations considered. These results highlight the importance of adapting electrolyser cell design to the characteristics of the type of PTL used. In this respect, this paper also provides guidelines for a more optimal integration of advanced PTL into prototype alkaline water electrolysis cells.
Affiliations

Citations

  • APA
  • Chicago
  • FWB

Van Droogenbroek, K., Aissa Berraies, A., Abedini, H., Scheid, B., & Proost, J. (2026). Multiphase flow simulations for alkaline water electrolysis: a parametric study towards cell design optimisation. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 273, 129721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2026.129721 (Original work published 2027)