Modelling heat transfer for a tubular micro-solid oxide fuel cell with experimental validation

A detailed mathematical model that accounts for mass, momentum, heat, and electric charge transfer is developed for a tubular micro-solid oxide fuel cell. Electrochemical reactions as well as reversible and irreversible heat generation are modelled locally within the volume of each cermet electrode. The gas velocity profile and convective and conductive heat and mass transfer are modelled within each porous electrode and the gas channel. The heat transfer model includes the thermal radiation exchanged between surfaces.The simulation results are validated against electrochemical performance and temperature distribution experimental data. Simulation results are presented to give a detailed insight about several aspects of the cell's thermal behaviour. It is found that local heating within the electrodes is negligible when the temperature is controlled on the surface of the electrode. Temperature gradients along the cell's active length are found not to be negligible. Modelling heat transfer has a negligible effect on overall cell performance predictions for the specific setup of this study.

► Non-isothermal model for a micro SOFC.
► Experimental validation.
► The heat transfer is shown not to have a strong effect.