Kinetic and Thermodynamic Parameter Optimization of an Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cell: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study

In recent years, anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology gains greater attention. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters play a pivotal role in influencing the overall efficiency and functionality of SOFCs. In present study, 3D model of a single cell anode-supported SOFC is developed using ANSYS fluent. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are optimized by comparison with experimental data. Optimized parameters are subsequently used to investigate the impact of pressure and fuel utilization on the overpotential. Simulation results indicate that optimized parameters give rise to an increased fuel consumption and hence water formation. This can be explained by the fact that optimized parameters give rise to an increased rate of reaction. Optimized parameters lead to a reduction in cell overpotential thereby increasing current and power densities at elevated pressure. Increased fuel utilization correlates with a decrease in power and current densities.