Reliability of the numerical SOFC models for estimating the spatial current and temperature variations


Aydin O., Nakajima H., Kitahara T.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, vol.41, no.34, pp.15311-15324, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 41 Issue: 34
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.06.194
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.15311-15324
  • Abdullah Gül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Numerical models play a vital role in the SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) research field; nonetheless, one can never rely on a non-validated model. Numerous models exist in the literature; however, they are utmost validated with the conventional I-V (current-voltage) curves, whereas the temperature variations are almost never validated. In this study, we present spatial currents and temperatures computed by a numerical model and measured in-situ by the electrode-segmentation method in microtubular-SOFCs. By exploiting these numerical and experimental data, we evaluate the accuracy of the current distribution predicted by a numerical model validated with the conventional I-V curve. This evaluation shows that the numerical model underestimates the current variations. Secondly, we assess the reliability of the temperature distribution predicted by the model verified with the conventional I-V curve. This assessment reveals that the numerically computed temperatures substantially differ from the experimental results with the rising current density. Thirdly, we analyze the accuracy of the model-validation based on the I-V curves and the temperature variations. This double validation approach improves the accuracy of the model. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.