Multi-Factor Optimization of Expander Nozzles for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Hongwei Ji, Zhenyu Lin, Xingya Chen*
School of Energy and Power Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin City, China
* Corresponding Author: Xingya Chen. Email: 
Energy Engineering https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2026.076052
Received 13 November 2025; Accepted 26 January 2026; Published online 13 February 2026
Abstract
With advancing science and technology, traditional fossil-fuel vehicles are being replaced by new energy vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are hailed as their ultimate form for zero-pollution operation and water-only emission. The air compressor, a core component of their air supply system, directly impacts overall system efficiency. This paper calculates the initial parameters to obtain detailed impeller dimensions and performs simulations. For the nozzle part, MATLAB is used for programming to calculate detailed curve coordinates based on parameters. After verifying the simulation, the number of nozzle blades, nozzle blade outlet angle, nozzle inlet radius, and the gap between the nozzle and the expander impeller rotor were individually changed to explore the impact of each factor on the overall expander performance. Through this single-factor analysis, modifying the nozzle radius could increase the recovered work of the impeller by 15.1%. The gap between the nozzle and the impeller had a negligible impact on the recovered work. Coupled factor optimization could increase the recovered work by 27.8%. Multi-factor analysis revealed that the influence of nozzle factors on recovered work, from strong to weak, is: nozzle radius > nozzle blade outlet angle > number of nozzle blades.
Keywords
Fuel cell vehicles; expander; nozzle; multi-factor analysis; energy recovery
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