CFD modelling of hydrogen starvation conditions in a planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

The aim of this study was to highlight the interest of using CFD technique as a diagnostic tool of a malfunctioning Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Hydrogen starvation of a SOFC due to nitrogen dilution is one of the cell dysfunctions and can lead to its degradation. Identifi cation of the starvation point allows to improve cell performance and establish the best conditions for degradation tests. To illustrate a potential of the CFD tool, several simulations of a single planar SOFC and its behaviour under hydrogen starvation were performed and analysed. The results showed that at lower cell voltage values of 0.3 and 0.5 V signifi cant gradients in the electric current were noticed due to a local reduction in hydrogen concentration. The CFD analysis allowed defi ning desirable mass fl ow rate of hydrogen to SOFCs to avoid fuel starvation. The model constitutes a helpful tool for optimizing cell design and operational conditions.

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“…This opens doors for deeper studies on the effect of different types and geometry of PCFC on H2 mass fraction distribution for optimization purposes. For example, Pianko-Oprych et al [27] simulated the effect of hydrogen starvation on planar SOFC performance. They found out that the cell could locally create current at the applied voltage in areas where hydrogen was accessible and electrochemistry was very active, but the cell was unable to do so in locations where local fuel shortage was apparent.…”

“…They found out that the cell could locally create current at the applied voltage in areas where hydrogen was accessible and electrochemistry was very active, but the cell was unable to do so in locations where local fuel shortage was apparent. To reduce the problem of hydrogen starvation, they doubled the inlet hydrogen fuel flow rate, resulting in more uniform species distributions across the cell [27]. The simulation of hydrogen mass fraction distribution also shows significant results in the optimization of planar SOFC with an anode functional layer (AFL).…”