Lattice Boltzmann Simulation on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance

Abstract

Based on models of a porous electrode, a more accurate lattice Boltzmann model for simulating the performance of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is proposed. Results show good agreement between simulated and measured data. The accuracy of concentration over potential prediction is crucial for low reactant concentrations. The addition of a small amount of air to the fuel yields fully stable performance without measurable carbon deposits detected on the catalyst layer or the fuel cell. Cell performance increases with the temperature. As a first test of the model, a benchmark problem regarding the performance of an internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (IR-SOFC) is investigated. When the catalyst activity decreases, the rate of methane conversion decreases near the reactor