Novel Evaporative Cooling for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks - CFD simulation

We are looking for 2 students that are passionate about making a real impact in the transition to a
decarbonized transport sector by supporting the development of a novel evaporative cooling concept
for hydrogen fuel cells.

Background
The ambitious international greenhouse gas emission reduction goals require alternative propulsion
systems for the decarbonization of the transport sector. One promising technology for heavy-duty long-
haul transportation are state-of-the art proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In the
electrochemical conversion of hydrogen to electrical power and water, a large amount of low
temperature waste heat is produced. Overcoming existing heat rejection limitations by utilizing the
latent heat of the produced water can significantly improve the vehicle’s performance and
competitiveness.

Key words: Thermal management, Cooling, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen, CFD

Master thesis objectives
•Develop CFD simulation models for heat and mass transfer in bubbles.
•Investigate discretized 1D CFD models for bubble tanks.
•Determine limiting conditions, i.e. saturation and retention time scales.
•Define boundary conditions for experimental investigations to validate results.

Scope and key responsibilities
•Conduct a literature review of bubble heat and mass transfer models.
•Determine limiting factors based on CFD results and lay foundation for modelling framework
of additional relevant phenomena.
•Prepare validation boundary conditions for experimental validation.
•Present findings and future enhancements in a written report and oral presentation.Required qualifications
•Strong knowledge in thermodynamics and heat transfer.
•Experience with CFD simulation, ideally two-phase phenomena.
•Knowledge of vehicle propulsions, automotive systems and PEM fuel cells is a plus.
•Fluent in English.

Practical information
Thesis level: Master, 30 ECTS credits
Number of students: 2
Start date: Spring/Fall 2026 (upon agreement)

Supervisors and Examiner
Academic supervisors: David Sedarsky (Examiner, Chalmers), Christian Bosser (Chalmers), tbd. Fluid
dynamics (Chalmers)