Optimization of Heat/Mass Transfer and Electric Charge Conduction in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

摘要

Having high power density and compact size is essential for fuel cells especially when they are used as power sources of transportation tools. In order to find out the optimal geometrical dimensions for fuel cells that facilitate high power density, this study carries out two levels of investigation based on numerical modeling and computation. The first-level study is an optimization of local current collectors. It shows that the distance of current collection pathway bears strong influence on the fuel cell performance. The second-level study is based on global modeling of a single fuel cell. Results for two planar type fuel cells at the same operating conditions but different in components thickness show that the thickness of electrolyte is more influential than that of anode to the overall cell performance.