A parametric analysis of the long term performance of a solid oxide fuel cell anode

Solid oxide fuel cells are a type of a fuel cell characterized by exceptional efficiency and flexibility. Previous experimental studies have shown that, while the fine particle radius in the nickel-YSZ cermet of the anode corresponds to greater availability of reaction sites, it also causes an increased rate of microstructure degradation. However, long-term performance issues continue to hinder their widespread implementation. In this study a parametric analysis is performed in order inspect the relationship between the initial grain radia in the microstructure and its long-term performance. Anodic microstructures in their initial state are artificially generated using cellular automata methodology. Then, long-term degradation is simulated using a phase field model combined with an electrochemical performance model in order to predict the voltage output of a particular anode design. The long-term degradation model has been previously validated through comparison to a real life, 3800 hour-long performance test. The simulations include 6 000 hour-long period during which higher than expected durability was predicted for microstructures with high initial reaction site density. The results can be applied in smart electrode design and optimization. • SOFC anode microstructures with varying radia and phase distributions are artificially generated. • Long term performance is simulated using a phase field model. • Microstructure transport phenomena model is applied to investigate long-term performance. • The projected lifetime performance is assessed for each of the initial microstructure composition.