Search Results (19)

Variable geometry ejectors (VGEs) offer passive, compact, and energy-efficient solutions for fluid transport and thermal management in applications such as refrigeration, hydrogen fuel cells, and solar-driven desalination. By adjusting internal geometries, VGEs maintain high performance under off-design and transient conditions, overcoming limitations of fixed-geometry ejectors. This systematic review synthesizes experimental, numerical, and hybrid research on VGEs published between 30 June 1995 and 1 July 2025. Peer-reviewed journal and conference papers were identified through structured searches of Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, followed by PRISMA-guided screening. Forty-eight studies were qualitatively synthesized with respect to modulation mechanisms, actuation and control strategies, working fluids, modeling approaches, validation practices, performance metrics, and Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), complemented by an engineering-specific extension for experimental and numerical studies. Results indicate a strong reliance on numerical modeling, predominantly 2D axisymmetric CFD, with limited high-fidelity experimental validation. Adjustable nozzle throats dominate current designs, while multi-variable geometries and real-time closed-loop control remain underexplored. Most studies cluster at TRLs 2–4, with only two demonstrating full system-level integration. Overall, VGEs show strong potential for energy-efficient operation, but progress toward deployment requires integrated geometry–control co-design, standardized benchmarking, uncertainty-aware validation, and scalable experimental demonstration. This review was not registered. Full article

The ejector-based hydrogen recirculation systems in vehicular proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been the research focus of fuel cell technology. However, the anode pressure fluctuations and nonlinear characteristics urgently need to be addressed under the varying operating conditions of the ejector-based hydrogen recirculation system. In this paper, an Adaptive Model Predictive Control strategy is proposed to stabilize anode pressure and smooth pressure fluctuations during current changes and purges. An ejector is designed and a nonlinear control model is established for the ejector-based hydrogen recirculation system of the 110 kW PEMFC. The proposed strategy achieves the mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.044 kPa and the root mean square error of 1.041 kPa in anode pressure management, outperforming traditional Model Predictive Control and Proportional-Integral-Derivative strategies. The hydrogen excess ratio exceeding 1.5 ensures compliance with the operational requirements of system. The experimental results with the pressure MAE of 0.482 kPa and the current fluctuation of ±0.7 A validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in practical applications. Full article

Hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a promising clean energy technology for automotive applications owing to their high efficiency and environmentally friendly characteristics. Efficient hydrogen recirculation is critical for sustaining the PEMFC performance, and ejector-based systems offer a passive, energy-efficient solution. However, traditional ejectors suffer from performance degradation across varying fuel-cell loads owing to their limited adaptability. To address this limitation, this study investigated the internal flow behavior and recirculation performance of single- and coaxial-nozzle ejectors, focusing on the influence of the diameter ratio between the mixing chamber and nozzle throat. Numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the flow structures and recirculation ratios under various operating conditions. The diameter ratio between the mixing chamber and the nozzle throat played a crucial role in determining the flow uniformity and recirculation efficiency. Specifically, lower diameter ratios reduce the recirculation ratio across all operating conditions, whereas higher diameter ratios exhibit diminished performance only under very low power outputs (≤4 bar) but show enhanced performance at medium-to-high outputs. These findings suggest that tailoring the geometric parameters of coaxial-nozzle ejectors can significantly improve hydrogen recirculation adaptability in PEMFC systems, thereby supporting more stable and efficient operation across a wide range of vehicle load conditions. Full article

In recent decades, pollutant emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels have become increasingly serious for the environment. The present paper reports experimental results for research carried out under laboratory conditions for a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, implemented in different configurations on an ISUZU 4JB1 diesel engine. The obtained results allow for a comparative analysis of NOx formation as a function of diesel engine load (χ = 25–100%), at 1350, 2100, 2850, and 3600 rpm, with the engine operating under either cold (T < 343 K) or warm (T > 343 K) regimes. A preheating system for AdBlue droplets, in the form of a metal honeycomb that uses electromagnetic induction and incorporates a high-frequency generator, was introduced in the flow path of the combustion gases and tested to compare the experimental results. This system enabled temperatures of up to 643 K. A magneto-strictive system was also introduced in the SCR structure to atomize the AdBlue droplets to a minimum diameter of 3.5 μm. Using this principle, combined with preheating, the effect of calefaction was compared with the classical case of the internal heating of the SCR catalyst. For experimental purposes, piezoelectric cells dedicated to the transformation of the AdBlue solution into micro- or nano-droplets, which were entrained into the SCR by an ejector, were also used. Experimental results are presented in graphical form and reveal that the use of preheating, heating, or piezoelectric cells leads to improved NOx conversion. The tested solutions showed reductions in NOx emissions of up to eight times depending on the diesel engine load, demonstrating their strong impact on NOx reduction. Full article

Rail transit as a high-energy consumption field urgently requires the adoption of clean energy innovations to reduce energy consumption and accelerate the transition to new energy applications. As an energy-saving fluid machinery, the ejector exhibits significant application potential and academic value within this field. This paper reviewed the recent advances, technical challenges, research hotspots, and future development directions of ejector applications in rail transit, aiming to address gaps in existing reviews. (1) In waste heat recovery, exhaust heat is utilized for propulsion in vehicle ejector refrigeration air conditioning systems, resulting in energy consumption being reduced by 12~17%. (2) In vehicle pneumatic pressure reduction systems, the throttle valve is replaced with an ejector, leading to an output power increase of more than 13% and providing support for zero-emission new energy vehicle applications. (3) In hydrogen supply systems, hydrogen recirculation efficiency exceeding 68.5% is achieved in fuel cells using multi-nozzle ejector technology. (4) Ejector-based active flow control enables precise ± 20 N dynamic pantograph lift adjustment at 300 km/h. However, current research still faces challenges including the tendency toward subcritical mode in fixed geometry ejectors under variable operating conditions, scarcity of application data for global warming potential refrigerants, insufficient stability of hydrogen recycling under wide power output ranges, and thermodynamic irreversibility causing turbulence loss. To address these issues, future efforts should focus on developing dynamic intelligent control technology based on machine learning, designing adjustable nozzles and other structural innovations, optimizing multi-system efficiency through hybrid architectures, and investigating global warming potential refrigerants. These strategies will facilitate the evolution of ejector technology toward greater intelligence and efficiency, thereby supporting the green transformation and energy conservation objectives of rail transit. Full article

The exhaust purge on the anode side is a critical step in the operation of fuel cell systems, and optimizing the exhaust interval time is essential for enhancing stack efficiency and hydrogen utilization. This paper proposed a method to determine the purge strategy of hydrogen supply system based on theoretical and simulation analysis. To investigate the impact of anode purge strategy on the performance of automotive fuel cells, a model of a 100 kW fuel cell stack and a dual-ejector hydrogen supply system was developed in MATLAB/Simulink(R2022b) using principles of fluid dynamics, simulation, and experimental data. This model effectively captures the accumulation and exhaust of hydrogen, nitrogen, and vapor within the anode. Simulations were conducted under seven different exhaust interval times at varying current densities to study the effect of exhaust interval on the performance of the fuel cell. The results indicate that for a 100 kW fuel cell, the exhaust interval time should be controlled within 25 s and should decrease as the current density increases. At low current density, increasing the exhaust interval has a more significant effect on improving hydrogen utilization. At high current density, reducing the exhaust interval helps maintain a stable hydrogen excess ratio and shortens the time required for the output voltage to reach a stable state. Full article

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) produce electrical energy using hydrogen as an energy source, characterized by enhanced energy conversion efficiency and diminished emissions, contributing to the sustainable development of energy. The hydrogen ejector is essential for improving the hydrogen utilization efficiency in PEMFCs. In this study, the theoretical design and simulation optimization of a hydrogen ejector used for a hydrogen fuel cell are performed in order to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen ejector. According to Sokolov’s design method, the dimensions of the ejector nozzle and mixing chamber were calculated. A three-dimensional fluid simulation model of the ejector was established, and the accuracy of the model was verified by the experimental results. The influences of the nozzle outlet distance, the mixing chamber diameter, the length–diameter ratio of the mixing chamber, and the nozzle curvature on the ejector ratio were studied under multiple working conditions, and the optimal structural size of the ejector was obtained to satisfy the working conditions. It was found that the maximum ejector ratio of 1.21 could be achieved at a nozzle exit distance of 9 mm, a mixing chamber diameter of 7 mm, a mixing chamber length–diameter ratio of 9, and a nozzle curvature of 0.02. This work can provide some insights into the relationship between the structural parameters and performance of hydrogen ejectors. Full article

Fuel cell systems often utilize a hydrogen recirculation system to redirect and transport surplus hydrogen back to the anode, which enhances fuel consumption and boosts the efficiency of the fuel cell. Hydrogen recirculation pumps and ejectors are the most investigated systems. Ejectors are gaining recognition as an essential device in fuel cell systems. However, their application in hydrogen recirculation systems is often limited by a narrow operational range. Therefore, it is advantageous to compile the present condition of the study on various ejector shapes as well as configurations that can accommodate a broader operational range, along with the numerical simulations employed in these studies. This paper begins by examining the structure and operation of ejectors. It then compares and analyzes the latest advancements in research on ejector-based hydrogen recirculation systems with extended operating ranges and reviews the details of numerical simulations of ejectors, which are crucial for the development of innovative and efficient ejectors. This study provides key insights and recommendations for integrating hydrogen ejectors into the hydrogen cycle system of fuel cell engines. Full article

Ejector-based proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are of great interest due to their simplicity and feasibility. Thus, proton exchange membrane fuel cells are considered the most suitable technology for in-vehicle systems, industrial applications, etc. Despite the passive characteristics of the ejector, active control of the hydrogen supply system is needed to ensure sufficient hydrogen, maintain the stack pressure, and ensure effective entrainment. In this research, a novel semi-empirical model is proposed to accurately predict the entrainment performance of the ejector with an 80 kW fuel cell system. According to the precise semi-empirical model, the hydrogen supply system and the anode channel are modeled. Then, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is developed to supply sufficient and adequate gas flow and maintain the rapid dynamic response. Compared to the conventional proportional–integral–derivative controller, the fuzzy logic controller could reduce the anode pressure variability by 5% during a stepped case and 2% during a dynamic case. Full article

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as an important utilization of hydrogen energy, contribute to the sustainable development of global energy. Pulsed ejectors have a high potential for improving the hydrogen utilization of PEMFCs in the full operating range by circulating unconsumed hydrogen. In this study, a pulsed ejector applied to a 120 kW fuel cell was designed, and the flow characteristics were analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on the data from the CFD model, the global optimization of the ejector was carried out using the Gaussian process regression (GPR) surrogate model and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The local structure was then further optimized using an adjoint method coupling streamlining modification that takes into account the local flow characteristics. The CFD results showed that, under a fixed structure, increasing the pressure difference between the secondary flow and the ejector outlet would promote boundary layer separation, shorten the shockwave chain length, change the effective flow area of the secondary flow, and lower the entrainment ratio (ER). The analytical results from the GPR model indicated significant interactions among the structural parameters. The globally optimized ejector using GPR and GWO improved the hydrogen entrainment ratio from 1.42 to 3.12 at the design point. Furthermore, the results of streamlining local optimization show that the entrainment ratio increased by 1.67% at the design point and increased by up to 3.99% over the full operating range compared to the optimized ejector by global optimization. Full article

Hydrogen recirculation systems (HRSs) are vital components of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), and it is necessary to investigate different HRS schemes to meet the needs of high-power PEMFCs. PEMFCs are developing in the direction of low cost, high power, wide working conditions, low noise, compact structure, etc. Currently, it is difficult for hydrogen recirculation pumps (HRPs) to meet the flow requirements of high-power PEMFCs. HRPs inevitably have high parasitic energy consumption, loud noise output, high cost, easy leakage, and high failure rates. Therefore, it is necessary to study different HRS schemes to develop a better solution for high-power PEMFCs. In this study, the functional prototype of a piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) based on three HRSs of HRPs was designed, and a functional prototype was built. Working according to the analysis and comparison of PEMFC performance test data, we find that the net power trend of PEMFC systems using three different HRS technology schemes is consistent. The ejector scheme and the combination scheme do not reduce the performance of PEMFCs and have advantages in different power ranges, such as 24 A, 48 A, and other small current points. The PEFMC system net power order is as follows: ejector scheme > HRP scheme > combination scheme. At about 120 A, the net power outputs of the three HRS schemes in the PEMFC system coincide. From around 180 A onwards, the PEMFC system power of the combined HRS scheme gradually dominates. At 320 A, the PEFMC system net power order is as follows: combined HRS scheme > HRP scheme > ejector scheme. Full article

The hydrogen cycle system, one of the main systems used for hydrogen fuel cells, has many advantages. It can improve the efficiency, the water capacity, and the management of thermal fuel cells. It can also enhance the safety of the system. Therefore, it is widely used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. We introduce the structure and principles of hydrogen cycle pumps, ejectors, and steam separators and analyze and summarize the advantages of the components, as well as reviewing the latest research progress and industrialization status of hydrogen cycle pumps and ejectors. The technical challenges in hydrogen circulation systems and the development direction of key technologies in the future are discussed. This paper aims to provide a reference for research concerning hydrogen energy storage application technology in hydrogen fuel cell systems. Full article

The ejector drives unreacted hydrogen from the anode to improve fuel utilization ratio and discharges redundant water to prevent flooding and shutdown in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). However, the traditional fixed structure ejector cannot meet the recycling requirements in the whole dynamic working condition of the fuel cell. In this article, a part nested four-nozzle (PNFN) ejector is proposed to enhance the hydrogen recycling efficiency under variable working conditions of the PEMFC by restricting the nozzle flow as 10%, 20%, 20%, and 50% of the fuel cell-rated power, respectively. Systematical analyses are performed on the experimentally verified 3D model to study inner flow characteristics and performance under different nozzle running modes. The results indicate that the PNFN ejector satisfies the recirculation ratio requirements in the power range of 34–220 kW within the 7–9 bar suitable supply pressure. By comparing with traditional ejectors, the PNFN ejector has a wider working range and especially outputs better performance in the low power range. Full article

The optimization control and efficiency improvement of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are being paid more attention. Ejectors have been applied in PEMFC hydrogen recirculation subsystems due to the advantages of a simple structure and no power consumption. However, the hysteresis deviation of a proportional valve ejector is found in the loading and unloading processes such that the hysteresis phenomena can cause deviations in fuel cell control process and affect the power dynamic output stability of PEMFCs. This paper analyzes the causes and effects of proportional valve hysteresis phenomena through experiments and simulations. The results show that the resultant force of proportional valve armature is different in loading and unloading processes because of the hysteresis phenomena, and the maximum flow deviation is up to 0.42 g/s. The hysteresis phenomena of flow rate further cause a deviation of 68.7–89.3 kW in PEMFC power output. Finally, a control compensation model is proposed to effectively reduce the deviation. This study provides a reference for the control and optimization of PEMFC with ejector technology. Full article

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a promising device in the fields of power generation, energy storage, aerospace, and public transportation. The hydrogen recirculation ejector with the advantages of low cost, high durability, and no parasitic power is the key component of PEMFC systems. However, it is challenging to design a hydrogen recirculation ejector to cover the wide operating conditions of PEMFC systems. In order to design an ejector for fuel cell systems, a comprehensive understanding of ejector research is required. Consequently, the state-of-the-art research work on the hydrogen recirculation ejector is analyzed, including characteristics of the ejector in PEM fuel cell systems, geometry design and optimization, different types of ejectors and a comparison between them, and system integration and control. Through a comprehensive analysis of ejectors, further research suggestions on designing high-performance ejectors are presented. Full article