A Non-Isothermal 2D Stationary FEM Model for Hydrocarbon Fueled SOFCs Stack Layers

Abstract

This work presents a non-isothermal 2D FEM gas channel model, capable of performance predictions for hydrocarbon-fueled SOFC stack layers. Therefore, a previously developed isothermal model, incorporating relevant loss mechanisms for SOFC operated on hydrocarbons, was extended by implantation of the energy balance equations. Heat transport is described in a physically meaningful way by heat conduction, convection and radiation. This enables the model to predict the spatial temperature distribution within Ni/YSZ-based SOFC while taken into account the different loss mechanisms. Furthermore, the deactivation of active catalyst surface area via sulfur poisoning is considered by implementing surface area-dependent reforming kinetics. This global kinetic approach was determined by measuring the conversion of fuels containing different amounts of H2S in a specialized test rig with gas extraction and temperature tracking probes along the gas channel. The presented results show how poisoning of the Ni surface will affect the reforming-activity.