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Hydrogen ejectors effectively utilize excess unreacted hydrogen. However, traditional ejectors have limited operational ranges and are only suitable for specific power ranges. This paper presents a dual-nozzle ejector aimed at broadening its operational range through different working modes. A simulation model, validated by experiments, is employed based on the working principles of ejectors. Spiral blades are installed at drive end to improve the recirculation efficiency. Flow characteristics, including streamwise and spanwise vortices at high power, are also investigated in different modes. Results indicate that optimal operating range for Ring-nozzle(RN) mode is between 31.1 and 124.4A. When output current exceeds 124.4A, it is necessary to switch to Central-nozzle (CN) or Double-nozzles (DNs) mode. Analysis of streamlines and velocity vectors reveals that installing spiral blades can modify directions of primary flow. Blades with appropriate distortion should be selected. In CN mode, when stack reaches 60% of rated power, installing 20° spiral blades has a minimal impact on stability of radial flow. Installing 30° or 40° spiral blades is suitable for full-load condition. In DNs mode, installing 30° spiral blades enhances acceleration of gas flow with lower influence from radial influx. This ejector provides assurance for upgrade of fuel cell stacks by incorporating recirculation technology. • A dual-nozzle ejector with spiral guide blades is designed, verified and evaluated. • Installed spiral blades change direction and gather kinetic energy of primary flow. • Advantageous working conditions of different modes with blades are discussed. • Flow mechanism of different blades under high power in two modes is analyzed. • Flow acceleration and losses should be balanced by changing the twist of blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Interaction of a bubble-particle aggregate with a confined vortex investigated. • An interface resolved 3D CFD model developed to quantify the interaction dynamics. • Highspeed shadowgraphy and PIV experiments performed to validate the CFD model. • Correlation of vorticity and local energy dissipation rate (ε) determined from CFD model. • A force-balance model used to predict particle detachment using ε. In flotation, interactions of bubble-particle aggregates with turbulent flow structures in the liquid medium result in particle detachment. This study aims to simulate this phenomenon involving a bubble-particle aggregate (bubble diameter ∼ 3 mm and particle diameter ∼ 314 µm) interacting with a turbulent flow structure manifested as a confined vortex in a square cavity connected to a square cross-section channel. An interface resolved three dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to quantify the bubble-vortex interaction dynamics over a range of channel Reynolds numbers. The CFD model produced a good agreement with the experimentally measured vorticity magnitude, local energy dissipation rate, and bubble motion. It was shown that a bubble-particle aggregate could be captured within the vortex by suitably varying the channel Reynolds number, eventually leading to particle detachment. A separate force balance analysis was performed to determine a criterion for particle detachment utilising the CFD model predicted vorticity and local energy dissipation rate. It was shown that a critical local energy dissipation rate ∼ 1.59 m2/s3 was required for particle detachment to occur, which was also verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The capabilities of different drag models under high turbulence /vortex flow conditions are shown. • Impacts of turbulence effects on drag modelling are presented. • A hybrid drag model is proposed for high turbulence flow conditions. • Two-phase flow hydrodynamics under complex flow conditions is analyzed. • Gas velocity and void fraction predictions are compared with experimental data. The accuracy of the modelling of gas–liquid flows depends strongly on a suitable modelling of the interfacial forces. Among these, drag is dominant. Most drag models reported in the literature have been derived and validated only for laminar or low-turbulent flow conditions. In this study, we numerically evaluated several drag models from the literature for high-turbulent gas–liquid flow around an obstacle in a pipe that creates a distinct vortex region. We performed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and compared the void fraction and gas velocity profiles with experimental data obtained by ultrafast X-ray computed tomography. We found that all models, except Schiller&Naumann and Feng, predicted the void fraction well compared to experimental data upstream of the obstacle, i.e., for a developed two-phase pipe flow with axial symmetry. However, the void fraction downstream is greatly overestimated by all models except those that appropriately consider the turbulence effects. Based on the results, a hybrid drag model is proposed that significantly improves the prediction of the void fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]