Performance analysis of a SOFC button cell using a CFD model

In this study, a 2-D numerical model is investigated to predict and evaluate the performance of an anode-supported SOFC button cell. The flow field is calculated using 2D Navier–Stokes equations. Heat and mass transfer equations are solved to calculate species and temperature distribution in the cell body and in fuel and air channels. The electrical and electrochemical processes are simulated coupled with the heat and mass transfer model. A discretized network circuit is adopted to the cell geometry for considering the ohmic losses and joule heating of the current that passes through the cell body. The model predicts the cell output voltage, the local EMF and the state variables pressure, temperature and species concentrations. The local electrical parameters are calculated based on the local pressure, temperature and concentration of the species. The numerical results are compared with the experimental data and good agreement is observed. The simulation is carried out for different input fuel flow rates and humidification. The results show how the input fuel mass flow rate and humidification level affects the button cell SOFC performance. In addition, influences of the anode thickness on cell performance through the ohmic over potential are investigated.