Global sensitivity analysis of uncertain parameters based on 2D modeling of solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

Summary In this study, we propose an enhanced quasi–two‐dimensional and nonisothermal model for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) parametric simulation and optimization. The dependence of effective properties on microstructural parameters is fully considered in this model. Besides, an elementary effect (EE) approach based on Monte Carlo experiments is adopted to comprehensively evaluate the sensitivity of totally 24 parameters. A two sample Kolmogorov‐Smirnov (K‐S) test is carried out to evaluate the ability of EE method for robust and accurate sensitivity analysis. The investigation focuses on the important microstructural parameters of the composite anode/cathode function layers (AFL/CFL). With this research, relative volume fractions of conducting materials in the AFL/CFL are the most sensitive factors among all input parameters while particle radius is found to be the least sensitive microstructural parameters. The particle size ratio of electronic particles to ionic particles is found to be much more sensitive than particle size due to its significant effect on effective conductivity. The cathodic electrochemical parameters reflect cell performance more significantly than the anodic ones. To further elucidate the role of input factors, this study provides a principle for parametric sensitivity classification as well. Besides, impacts of current density variation on parametric sensitivity are comprehensively considered. Negative or positive effects of parameters on cell performance and their influencing mechanisms are also discussed. Furthermore, global sensitivity analysis for single parameters at different positions is performed to assess the probability of structural optimization along the channel length. Then, a feasible nonuniform distribution method in allusion to function layers is proposed for further improvement of cell performance according to global SA results of single parameters along the channel direction.

Parametric sensitivity analysis for a natural gas fueled high temperature tubular solid oxide fuel cell

“…This small linear increase in average voltage and power density with a rise in temperature may be attributed to a net decrease in polarization losses at higher temperatures. Wu et al. (2019) developed a quasi–2-D non-isothermal microstructural based model of a SOFC for its parametric simulation and optimization.…”

“…In the study, the exchange current density equation applicable for humidified hydrogen fuels has been modified for application to SOFCs fueled by hydrocarbons. Wu et al. (2019) conducted a parametric sensitivity analysis of important microstructural parameters of the composite anode/cathode function layers for a planar SOFC fuelled with humidified H 2 feed.…”

Sintering kinetics and microstructure analysis of composite mixed ionic and electronic conducting electrodes

“…12,13 Apart from electrochemical reaction sites, other micro-characteristics such as average pore/particle size, porosity and tortuosity also play important roles in the species and charge transport process. 14,15 Simulation of the microstructure evolution during the sintering process is the basis for parametric analysis.…”

Conceptual design and performance analysis of a novel CHP system integrated with solid oxide fuel cell and supercritical CO 2 partial preheating cycle

“…To improve energy utilization and reduce pollutants as well as greenhouse gases, developing efficient energy conversion technologies is one of the urgent problems to be solved. With many advantages of high efficiency, low pollutant emissions, simplicity, and silent functioning, fuel cells have become a competitive power generation technology 1 . Among different kinds of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can be the most promising technology for the hybrid power generation since its high fuel flexibility and efficiency 2 .…”

“…With many advantages of high efficiency, low pollutant emissions, simplicity, and silent functioning, fuel cells have become a competitive power generation technology. 1 Among different kinds of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can be the most promising technology for the hybrid power generation since its high fuel flexibility and efficiency. 2 Besides, the high operating temperature (about 773.15-1273.15 K) 3 allows SOFC to integrate with other thermodynamic cycles to achieve further waste heat utilization.…”