Impact of Channel Geometry and Operating Temperature on the Performance of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells: A Study of Uniform and Non-Uniform Temperature Effects

This study investigates the effects of channel geometry and operating temperature on the performance of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOECs), a promising technology for efficient hydrogen production. Through computational simulations and experimental analysis, we explore the impact of different channel designs—rectangular, triangular, and semicircular—on system efficiency. Among the geometries, rectangular channels deliver the highest performance, with a 10% efficiency improvement over the others. Additionally, increasing the operating temperature from 1073 K to 1273 K accelerates reaction kinetics, yielding a 15% efficiency gain. The study identifies the optimization of both channel design and temperature as crucial for maximizing hydrogen production. Furthermore, the research finds that non-uniform temperature distribution has minimal impact on performance for the small-scale fuel cell configuration used. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interplay between geometry and operating conditions in SOEC design and contribute to the advancement of sustainable hydrogen production technologies.