Modeling of anode-supported SOFCs with samaria doped-ceria electrolytes operating at 500–600 °C

A two-dimensional isothermal mathematical model is developed for an anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell using samaria doped-ceria as electrolyte. This model takes into account species transfer and electrochemical reaction processes for cell operating between 500 °C and 600 °C. In this model, it is assumed that the electrochemical reactions take place not only at the electrolyte/electrode boundaries, but also throughout the electrodes. The model is validated with the experimental data. The geometry and operating parametric analyses are conducted to understand the coupled electrochemical reaction and species transfer phenomena. The results indicate that the rate of leakage current increases with the increase either in cell operating voltages, or in cell operating temperatures. It is also found that higher hydrogen concentration in the fuel stream results in larger leakage current. Further, the current efficiency decreases with the increase either in cell active areas, or in cell operating temperatures.