A 3-dimensional mathematical model to study effects of geometrical parameters on performance of solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

A 3D mathematical model is developed to study effects of various geometrical parameters such as cathode to anode thickness ratio, rib width, and channel width under various flow conditions, on the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). These parameters represent the cathode supported configuration of the solid oxide fuel cell. It is observed from simulation results that performance of SOFC fuel cell is increased at higher cathode to anode thickness. Simulation results also showed that for different volumetric flow rates, the current density and fuel cell performance decrease as rib width increases, what is due to higher contact resistance. It is also shown that by increasing the channel width, the fuel cell performance was increased due to increase in the reaction surface area. Simulation results are compared and validated with literature experimental data, showing well agreement.