A Transient Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model for the Local Impedance and Polarization Performance of Planar SOFCs

Abstract

In the present work, a transient three-dimensional multi-physics model is used to predict the impedance and polarization behavior of a planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) utilizing hydrogen under varying operation conditions and flow configurations. The mathematical model solves for species, charge, momentum, and energy transport in the cell components and interconnects. The mathematical model presented in this work is used to investigate the local impedance spectra and the current density distribution in different regions of the cell. The polarization and impedance simulations are performed for the full 3D domain and locally by dividing the cell into three regions along the flow direction. Parametric studies on key operating conditions such as fuel utilization, air utilization, gas flow rates, and composition are performed and the relative contributions to the polarization resistance of each parameter are quantified.