Transient energy conversion in marine fuel cells: Multiphysics analysis of heat/mass transfer under realistic oceanic roll conditions

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology has emerged as a promising high-efficiency and zero-emission power solution for marine propulsion systems. While inertial forces induced by vessel motion are known to affect PEMFC performance, the specific impact mechanisms under rolling conditions remain unexplored. This study presents a systematic investigation of PEMFC dynamic characteristics under ocean rolling motion through a three-dimensional transient model integrating multiphysics coupling. The developed framework combines hydrodynamic analysis with dynamically updated rolling kinematics. The results show that the rolling motion leads to a maximum reduction of 9.89% in the fuel cell’s output power, a maximum fluctuation of 16.14% in the current density, and a 23.55% fluctuation in temperature. The magnitudes of these fluctuations escalate with decreasing rolling periods and increasing rolling angles. Additionally, higher operating voltages and lower operating pressures mitigate rolling-induced perturbations. Regarding the rolling effects, the streamwise inertial force emerges as a dominant factor. The rolling motion drives the redistribution of hydrogen and oxygen concentrations, modulates flow velocities, and alters pressure gradients within the flow channels. Consequently, these multiphysics interactions disrupt electrochemical kinetics, resulting in variability in hydrogen consumption (including efficiency losses) and thermal heterogeneity in the membrane.