Enhanced Pool Boiling Heat Transfer Using SLM-Fabricated Primitive TPMS Structures for PEMFC Thermal Management

Abstract In addressing the challenges posed by thermal management in compact proton exchange membrane fuel cells, this work employs a selective laser melting technique to fabricate primitive-type metallic porous media. The boiling heat transfer characteristics of these media under saturated conditions are experimentally analyzed with HFE-7100 serving as the working fluid. The experimental setup utilizes a transparent pool-boiling configuration, enabling the observation of bubble behavior. This approach facilitates the investigation of the impact of porosity and structure height on the overall heat transfer efficiency. The experimental findings indicate that the primitive-type porous configuration facilitates efficient bubble release, which significantly enhances both the critical heat flux and the heat transfer coefficient. The present study offers both experimental and theoretical foundations for the optimization of passive cooling and waste heat recovery in PEMFCs.