Optimization of Material Distribution in Electrodes of Power Generating Devices: A Mixed Approach

Abstract

Electrochemical devices are becoming increasingly common, and advanced optimization techniques are utilized to enhance their performance. Topology optimization [1, 2] is one such technique, and it is gaining more attention as a means of improving the performance of electrochemical device. Moreover, as fabrication technologies advance, electrodes with more complex structures are becoming feasible. Previous studies [3-5] have attempted to optimize the composition of various electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and redox flow batteries, to improve overall cell performance. Using topology optimization methods, those research works seek heterogenous distribution of materials within the electrode design domain to increase the cell efficiency. Although the methods and procedures reported in those studies are promising, their optimization approach does not provide globally optimized results. This is due to the fact that those studies only focus on optimization in a specific horizontal or vertical direction on the polarization surface. In other words, their outputs are dependent on the point at which the optimization is performed.Power sources in electrochemical systems have an inherent optimal operating point that corresponds to the maximum output power. This presents an opportunity for a more comprehensive topology optimization strategy for power generating devices. This study introduces a novel approach called mixed topology optimization, which aims to enhance the efficiency of power sources by making simultaneous modifications to both the electrode structure and the operating conditions. The proposed strategy is self-directed and independent of the starting point. Given the highly nonlinear nature of electrochemical devices, such an approach is advantageous in identifying the globally optimized material distribution in a topologically optimized electrode. The proposed method is tested on a triple-phase electrode, and its superiority is compared with that of conventional approaches. Acknowledgment This work was partially supported by Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows number 22J20603, JSPS KAKENHI Grant number 21H04540, and Research Strengthening Project of the Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi.