Impact of flow channel design optimization on the performance of solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC)

Flow channel geometry strongly affects gas distribution, temperature uniformity, and electrochemical efficiency in high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). However, the impact of modified flow channel geometry on these performance metrics has not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluates the performance of an SOEC with a pin-type flow channel for different flow channel geometries: square, circular, triangular, and chamfered. A three-dimensional (3D) multiphysics model was developed, combining computational fluid dynamics simulations for heat and mass transfer, an electrochemical model to assess voltage requirements at defined current densities, and a chemical model for the reversible water-gas shift reaction kinetics. The results reveal that chamfered flow channels deliver superior electrochemical performance, with enhanced gas conversion rates and more uniform temperature distribution. Notably, at a current density of 10,000 A / m 2 , the chamfered channel achieved a 15.08 % reduction in voltage demand and a 21 % reduction in energy consumption per mole of syngas compared to the pin-type channel. Furthermore, the water-gas shift reaction rates were improved in the modified channels. These findings highlight that optimizing flow channel geometry can enhance SOEC performance, providing guidance for practical design improvements. • A 3D multiphysics model was developed to assess SOEC performance for various channels. • Chamfered channels improved efficiency and achieved uniform temperature distribution. • Voltage requirement reduced by 15.08 % at 10,000 A/m² for chamfered channels. • Modified channels increased reversible water-gas shift reaction rates and gas conversion.