Development and validation of a computationally efficient pseudo 3D model for planar SOFC integrated with a heating furnace

• A multi-layer model is developed and validated for a realistic experimental rig.
• Improvement in model’s predictions is extensively demonstrated through comparative analysis.
• Distributed thermal analysis provides deeper insights for thermal management purpose.
• Role of different heat transfer mechanisms involved in PEN cooling process is analysed.
• Typical operational maps are exemplified to be utilised in SOFC practical tests.

Efficient numerical models facilitate the study and design of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), stacks, and systems. Whilst the accuracy and reliability of the computed results are usually sought by researchers, the corresponding modelling complexities could result in practical difficulties regarding the implementation flexibility and computational costs. The main objective of this article is to adapt a simple but viable numerical tool for evaluation of our experimental rig. Accordingly, a model for a multi-layer SOFC surrounded by a constant temperature furnace is presented, trained and validated against experimental data. The model consists of a four-layer structure including stand, two interconnects, and PEN (Positive electrode–Electrolyte–Negative electrode); each being approximated by a lumped parameter model. The heating process through the surrounding chamber is also considered. We used a set of V–I characteristics data for parameter adjustment followed by model verification against two independent sets of data. The model results show a good agreement with practical data, offering a significant improvement compared to reduced models in which the impact of external heat loss is neglected. Furthermore, thermal analysis for adiabatic and non-adiabatic process is carried out to capture the thermal behaviour of a single cell followed by a polarisation loss assessment. Finally, model-based design of experiment is demonstrated for a case study.