Three-dimensional multiphysics numerical simulation of solid oxide fuel cell for internal methane reforming

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8484.2021.02.013

Abstract

Abstract:

A numerical model of the anode-supported planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was established to study the performance and the distribution of internal parameters of SOFC with pre-reformed methane as fuel, based on the finite element simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics and with the method of direct reforming of methane inside the SOFC. The model couples the control equations of heat and mass transfer, momentum transfer, charge transfer, and chemical reactions inside the cell. The results show that the drop in operating voltage will increase current density, and the current density at the interface of anode functional layer and the electrolyte is mainly limited by the oxygen diffusion rate. The steam reforming reaction of methane will strongly absorb heat, which is beneficial to reduce the temperature gradient of the SOFC and improve the life of SOFC; When using methane as a fuel, thermodynamic carbon may deposit, especially near the fuel inlet due to the thermal decomposition of methane. Reducing voltage and increasing current density are beneficial to inhibit thermodynamic carbon deposition.

Key words: solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), numerical simulation, methane reforming, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamic carbon deposit

CLC Number:

TM911.42

CHEN Yuyao, WEI Mingrui. Three-dimensional multiphysics numerical simulation of solid oxide fuel cell for internal methane reforming[J]. Journal of Automotive Safety and Energy, 2021, 12(2): 243-250.

Figures/Tables 11

References 20

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电池长度L	4 cm
电池宽度D	2 mm
气道宽度D_CH	1 mm
气道高度H_CH	1 mm
阳极支撑层厚度H_ASL	0.4 mm
阳极功能层厚度H_AFL	10 μm
电解质厚度H_EL	10 μm
阴极电流收集层厚度H_CCL	10 μm
阴极功能层厚度H_CFL	15 μm
互连板厚度H_IC	0.5 mm

电池长度L	4 cm
电池宽度D	2 mm
气道宽度D_CH	1 mm
气道高度H_CH	1 mm
阳极支撑层厚度H_ASL	0.4 mm
阳极功能层厚度H_AFL	10 μm
电解质厚度H_EL	10 μm
阴极电流收集层厚度H_CCL	10 μm
阴极功能层厚度H_CFL	15 μm
互连板厚度H_IC	0.5 mm

物性参数	k	c_p	ρ	β	γ_v
物性参数	W·m^-1·K^-1	J·kg^-1·K^-1	kg·m^-3	m²	γ_v
阳极	11	450	3 050	10~12	0.45
阴极	6	420	3 030	10~12	0.3
电解质	2.7	470	5 160	-	0
互连板	15	580	3 310	-	0.9

物性参数	k	c_p	ρ	β	γ_v
物性参数	W·m^-1·K^-1	J·kg^-1·K^-1	kg·m^-3	m²	γ_v
阳极	11	450	3 050	10~12	0.45
阴极	6	420	3 030	10~12	0.3
电解质	2.7	470	5 160	-	0
互连板	15	580	3 310	-	0.9

边界	传质	传热	流动	电荷传递
y = 0 mm	周期性条件	周期性条件	周期性条件	周期性条件
y = 2 mm	周期性条件	周期性条件	周期性条件	周期性条件
x = 0 cm	壁	热绝缘	壁	电绝缘
x = 4 cm	壁	热绝缘	壁	电绝缘
气体入口	入口组分恒定	入口温度恒定	入口流量边界	-
气体出口	对流边界条件	对流边界条件	压力出口边界	-
阳极互连板上表面	-	周期性条件	-	电位接地
阴极互连板上表面	-	周期性条件	-	工作电压