Numerical simulation analysis of solid oxide fuel cells with different support structures

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2023.0855

Abstract

Abstract:

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent an efficient power generation system capable of directly converting chemical energy into electricity. However, ensuring the high efficiency and stable operation of SOFCs is a pressing issue. This study establishes a three-dimensional model for a single-piece planar SOFC, involving the coupling of various physical fields such as electrochemistry, mass transfer, and heat transfer. The model is subjected to numerical calculations and validation using the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element simulation software, with the I-V curve indicating a data error of less than 6%. Building on this model, a three-dimensional model of an SOFC based on cathode and electrolyte support is developed. This study further investigates the impact of different operational parameters and support structures on factors such as output power and temperature of SOFCs. The effects on the cell are reflected through polarization and power curves. The simulation results show that connecting rib plates can influence the diffusion of gases within the cell, revealing a close correlation between current density and material distribution. Further research indicates that factors such as support layer thickness, pressure, and input fuel flow rate can affect the cell's output power and temperature. Increasing the operational pressure and fuel input flow rate can enhance the output power; however, this also leads to an increase in the internal temperature of the cell, with the output power being inversely proportional to the thickness of the cell support layer. Under identical conditions, the output power of cathode-supported SOFCs is greater than that of electrolyte-supported SOFCs. Hence, this study provides some guidance regarding the structural design and experimental work related to SOFCs.

Key words: solid oxide fuel cell, cell performance, cathode-supported, numerical simulation, cell temperature

CLC Number:

TM 911.4

Xinyu LIU, Anan ZHANG, Changjiang LIAO. Numerical simulation analysis of solid oxide fuel cells with different support structures[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2024, 13(5): 1710-1720.

Figures/Tables 13

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参数	电解质	阴极	阳极	连接肋板
孔隙率	—	0.4	0.4	—
离子/电子电导率/(S/cm)	0.0106	333	800	1000
导热系数/[W/(m∙K)]	3	3	3	20
定压比热容/[J/(kg∙K)]	550	430	450	446

参数	电解质支撑型	阴极支撑型
气体通道宽度/mm	2	2
连接肋宽/mm	2	2
阳极厚度/μm	50	45
电解质厚度/μm	500	10
阴极厚度/μm	50	800
长度/mm	100	100
温度/℃ 工作压力/MPa	800 0.1~0.5	800 0.1~0.5
阴极孔隙率	0.4	0.4
渗透率	10^-10	10^-10

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