Modeling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Particle Size and Porosity Grading in Anode Electrode

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have the potential to meet the critical energy needs of our modern civilization and minimize the adverse environmental impacts from excessive energy consumption. They are highly efficient, clean, and can run on variety of fuel gases. However, little investigative focus has been put on optimal power output based on electrode microstructure. In this work, a complete electrode polarization model of SOFCs has been developed and utilized to analyze the performance of functionally graded anode with different particle size and porosity profiles. The model helps to understand the implications of varying the electrode microstructure from the polarization standpoint. The work identified conditions when grading can improve the cell performance and showed that grading is not always beneficial or necessary.

SOFC modeling considering hydrogen and carbon monoxide as electrochemical reactants

“…SOFC electrochemical behavior is mainly determined by the reaction ohmic, activation and concentration polarizations. The respective polarizations are strongly influenced by the microstructure of the electrodes and depend on the quantity and location of the TPBs [13].…”

Three dimensional modeling of an solid oxide fuel cell coupling charge transfer phenomena with transport processes and heat generation

“…Further study of the mechanisms behind the activation polarization is important for the FC development [6,9]. For the anode supported SOFC, the high mechanical strength is maintained for the rest of the anode which is used primarily as the cell support and for internal reforming reactions, when hydrocarbons are supplied as fuels [10][11].…”

Meso-Scale Phase-Field Modeling of Microstructural Evolution in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

“…1,8,12,13 TPB area is the key microstructural property controlling the electrochemical activities of SOFC.…”

“…With up to 60% energy efficiency and a life expectancy of 40,000 hours, the SOFC has emerged as an ideal candidate to meet the energy challenges of the modern world. [1][2][3] However, the commercialization of SOFC is hindered due to its high operating temperature, manufacturing cost, and structural instability. [4][5][6] Structural evolution of SOFC often leads to the structural failure and shortening of SOFC lifetime.…”

“…Moreover, it tracks the evolution of microstructural features that influence the electrochemical performance. The time dependent microstructural properties obtained from the phase-field model was applied as effective properties to our previously developed SOFC electrochemical model 1 to investigate the electrochemical performance of SOFC.…”