Performance simulation for an anode-supported SOFC using Star-CD code

Experimental activities and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation are presented in this paper for investigating the performance of an anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The goal of this work is to assess a commercial CFD code, Star-CD with es-sofc module, to simulate the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics with respect to the experimental data. Compiled with the geometry of cell test housing, a 3D numerical model and test conditions were established to analyze the anode-supported cell (ASC) performance including current density and temperature distributions, fuel concentration, and fuel utilization. After adjusting parameters in the electrochemical model, the simulation results showed good agreements with the experimental data. The results also revealed that the power density increased while the fuel utilization decreased as the fuel flow rate increased. Based on the results, this modeling work will be implemented to analyze the distributions of fuel and oxidant gases for the SOFC stack, to minimize the thermal gradients inside the stack, and to optimize the manifold/flow passage in the future.