Theoretical considerations on the modelling of transport in a three-phase electrode and application to a proton conducting solid oxide electrolysis cell

Abstract

Theoretical considerations on the modelling of transport in a three-phase electrode and application to a proton conducting solid oxide electrolysis cell. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Elsevier, 2012, 37 (16) The paper presents a complete numerical model for the prediction of mass and charge transfer inside electrolysis cells and fuel cells working at high temperature and using cermets as electrodes. It also discusses some assumptions taken in fuel cells or electrolysis cells modelling.I think that the problems dealt in this paper are in perfect match with the topics covered by the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Indeed many articles that were published in the journal served as a basis for this work.Meng Ni, from the University of Hong Kong, M.M Hussain, from the University of Waterloo and Anchasa Pramuanjaroenkija, from the University of Miami, would represent in my view relevant reviewers for this paper. As specialists in fuel cells and electrolysis cells modelling, they can rigorously evaluate the scientific content of this paper. Moreover, several assumptions they use for their models are discussed in the paper.I am fully available from the first of January to deal with the reports of the reviewers.I will be pleased to supply any further information should it be required.Yours sincerely, Mikael DumortierCover LetterDemonstration of continuity equations for mass and charge inside a cermet electrode *Manuscript Click here to view linked References Abstract

Analytical evaluation of heat sources and electrical resistance of a cermet electrode for the production of hydrogen in a membrane reactor

“…This model showed a good agreement with a previous 3D numerical model [13] but needs to be confronted to experimental results for both SOFC and SOEC configuration. Once the model is validated, we will extend the study of the analytical model to assess the effective resistivity of the electrode and the generated heat source in each element of the MEA as a function of a dimensionless parameter named A.…”

BaCeO3: Materials development, properties and application

“…It should be noted that at this content of NiO the percolation effect of a sharp reduction in the polarization resistance of the electrodes is initiated [328][329][330]. A theoretical study of the influence of other parameters (the size of the Ni-powder and the electrolyte particles in the anode mixture, volume phase fraction) can be found in the work of Völker and McMeeking [331], and Dumortiera et al [332]. It should be noted however, that the Ni-electrolyte cermets have a number of drawbacks, such as:…”

Energy transport inside a three-phase electrode and application to a proton-conducting solid oxide electrolysis cell

“…Moreover, the reaction is generally supposed to occur in an active layer close to the interface with the electrolyte [5,23]. However, our team [40] previously showed that this assumption is valid under certain conditions : low ionic conductivity of ceramics, no limitation in the diffusion of species inside the electrode, metal grains radius not too large compared to ceramic grain radius. Our previous model also allowed predicting reaction profiles inside the electrodes.…”

“…The assumptions for the establishment of this equation are checked with regards to the results of the literature. In the second part, the model is completed with a continuity equation set developed previously by our group for the description of transport phenomena inside a proton conducting high temperature electrolyzer [40]. Few models have investigated on the thermal management of solid oxide electrolyzer [11,20,29], therefore the proposed model is tested throughout a parametric analysis inside the PEN of a proton-conducting cell in galvanostatic mode.…”

“…Continuity equations for charge and mass transfers have been derived by our group in a previous publication [40]; as explained earlier, this paper focuses on the conservation of energy inside a PEN made of cermet.  Thermal effects due to the mixing of gaseous species are neglected.…”