Fuel cells are a promising alternative to the conventional energy devices. Hydrogen batteries are environmentally friendly and its efficiency is up to 3 times greater than that of the combustion high temperature. However, its price is still high and its durability is limited. One of the key factors in its performance is called water management. Water produced within the stack is evacuated through the gas channels. Under high current density, water may block the channel, limiting the efficiency of the battery. This PhD Thesis is focussed on the formation of drop, its deformation and subsequent release.

In this thesis, we has developed a semi-analytical model of a drop of water emerging in a channel of a fuel cell type PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell). The geometry of the static and deformed drop has been characterized and it is assumed that the main geometric variables (radius, height, perimeter) only depend on the contact angles. The forces acting on the drop are the drag force of the air and surface tension force, acting as bond strength. They studied the effects of: i) air velocity and flow rate of liquid droplet deformation and oscillation; and ii) the height of the drop in the frequency of oscillation.