Computational analysis of IR-SOFC: Thermodynamic, electrochemical process and flow configuration dependency

Fuel cell is the most promising candidate for future energy system as it is energy efficient and utilizes a renewable fuel. However, there still is need for upgradation and a fully paired computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach (based on the finite volume method). A 3D simulation of planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) having internal reforming has been carried out by examining the geometry of a single cell which comprises of a fuel channel, air channel, cathode, anode, and electrolyte layers. Cell parameters such as temperature, current density, concentration of fuel species, electro chemical processes and voltage are analyzed for both co-flow and counter-flow configurations. The obtained finite volume results were validated with experimental and numerical results showing good agreement within acceptable limits. An increase in inlet temperature resulted in significant increase in cell operating voltage as well as cell power density and the cell efficiency increases by 12-13%. It is also observed that the co-flow configuration showed more uniform current density and temperature distributions as well as smaller temperature gradients. Therefore, co-flow configuration is superior as it experiences low thermal stresses in PEN structure and enhanced cell life.