Three-Dimensional Model For The Conjugate Heat and Gas Species Transport in a Planar Type Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Pei-Wen Li, Laura Schaefer and Minking K. Chyo
A numerical model for a planar type SOFC is developed in this work, which predicts the fuel cell performance by solving the three-dimensional fields of velocity, gas species’ mass fractions, and temperature. The numerical study focuses the investigation on a single fuel cell in a cell stack. The planar SOFC is composed of an anode-supported tri-layer of anode, electrolyte, and cathode, as well as multiple fuel and air gas channels, which also serve as interconnections. Pre-reformed fuel gas with components of H2, H2O, CO, CO2 and CH4 is arranged in the cross-flow direction against the cathode side airflow. Further reforming and shift reactions in the fuel channel are analyzed by considering the chemical reaction equilibrium. The model and obtained simulation results are of significance to improve the design and operation of planar type SOFCs.