Optimization studies of intake parameters for direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

Intake parameters are essential factors that are often overlooked, but can easily change the direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (DIR-SOFC) performance. A three-dimensional model is developed to simulate the effects of intake parameters on the performance of an anode-supported flat-plate DIR-SOFC. The two primary chemical reactions, water gas shift reaction (WGSR) and methane steam reforming reaction (MSR), as well as the electrochemical oxidation of H2 and CO, are considered in this model. It was found that the aspect ratio corresponding to the peak current density decreases as fuel increases. A moderate air flow rate makes the fuel-to-air ratio (FAR) corresponding to the drastic change in current density relatively small and wide-ranging, resulting in more desirable temperature distribution and fuel utilization. Under the operating conditions of this paper, adjusting the steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C) to between 1.5 and 2 results in both excellent electrical performance and good temperature uniformity. Additionally, adjusting the flow rate by changing the inlet area or velocity has its own advantages in terms of temperature distribution or current density, which must be taken into account when adjusting the flow rate. This study provides a valuable reference on inlet settings of DIR-SOFC, which would help to promote the development of high-performance SOFCs.