loading page

Mass transfer in 3D printed electrolyzers: The importance of inlet effects
  • +1
  • Stéphane Weusten,
  • Luc Murrer,
  • Matheus de Groot,
  • John van der Schaaf
Stéphane Weusten
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Luc Murrer
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Author Profile
Matheus de Groot
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Author Profile
John van der Schaaf
Eindhoven University of Technology
Author Profile

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of inlet shape, entrance length and turbulence promoters on mass transfer by using 3D printed electrolyzers. Our results show that the inlet design can promote turbulence and lead to an earlier transition to turbulent flow. The Reynolds number at which the transition occurs can be predicted by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet to the cross-sectional area of the electrolyzer channel. A longer entrance length results in more laminar behavior and a later transition to turbulent flow. With an entrance length of 550mm, the inlet design did no longer affect the mass transfer performance significantly. The addition of gyroid type turbulence promoters resulted in a factor 2 to 4 increase in mass transfer depending on inlet design, entrance length and the type of promoter. From one configuration to another, there was a minimal variation in pressure drop (<16 mbar).
11 Dec 2020Submitted to AIChE Journal
13 Dec 2020Submission Checks Completed
13 Dec 2020Assigned to Editor
30 Dec 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
23 Feb 20211st Revision Received
26 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
26 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
13 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Accept