Investigate the effect of a parallel-cylindrical flow field on the solid oxide fuel cell stack performance by 3D multiphysics simulating. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Daifen; Zhu, Yanlong; Han, Shuo; Anatoly, Lysyakov; Andrey, Makeey; Lu, Liu
• Is Part Of: Journal of energy storage. Volume 60(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Solid oxide fuel cell stack -- Parallel flow field -- New parallel-cylindrical flow field -- Electrochemical & multiphysics coupling simulating; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Research -- Periodicals; 621.3126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2022.106587
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-152X

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, the 3D electrochemical-multiphysics coupling models for the one-cell solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks with the parallel flow field and a new parallel-cylindrical flow field have been developed and verified to evaluate their working characteristics. Firstly, the 3D model is established based on the realistic component structures including the solid, fluid, and porous components. Secondly, the momentum, mass, species, and energy transports, and the electrochemical reactions are coupled to the corresponding regions for carefully considering their effects on the performance. The analyzing result shows that a typical SOFC using the parallel-cylindrical rib configuration is concluded to be proper designing in achieving a good stack performance. The SOFC stack adopting the new parallel-cylindrical flow field would increase the electric current density by 38 % and improve the reactant distribution uniformity by 60 % than that with the traditional parallel flow field. Highlights: An electrochemical & multiphysics couple model for one-cell SOFC stack is completed. High quality meshes are established for the 3D SOFC model with realistic component structures. Performance of parallel-cylindrical flow field is evaluated and compared with the parallel flow field. Parallel-cylindrical flow field will provide SOFC with a higher flow, species and current density distributing qualities. Parallel-cylindrical flow field will provide SOFC with a high reactant and product diffusing rates.