Optimization Design of Geometric Parameters for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Single Cell Flow Field

Abstract Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are made from ceramic materials and are assembled into stacks with a layered configuration, similar to a sandwich. It is susceptible to significant thermal stresses, which can affect its long-term reliability. Maintaining consistent temperature and flow conditions can help mitigate this issue. The primary components of an SOFC’s flow field include the manifold, inlet, outlet, ribs and channels, through which the gas is distributed. This study explores the key parameters of the flow field—such as the manifold width, inlet diameter, and ridge/bank width—that influence the consistency of gas flow distribution. Both experimental testing and numerical simulations are used to analyze how these parameters impact the distribution of gas and temperature within the SOFC. The findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the design of SOFCs in practical applications. Results show that increasing the manifold width to 7 mm can enhance the consistency of flow distribution by more than 50%. The inlet diameter has only a minor effect on the consistency of both flow and temperature distribution. Additionally, altering the direction of the inlet gas to create flow deflection is an effective strategy for improving the uniformity of temperature and gas flow.