Performance analysis of series connected cathode supported tubular SOFCs

Abstract

The long current conduction path of traditional tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) limits the output performance. A new series connection structure was proposed, and a three-dimensional model of this series tubular solid oxide fuel cell was developed on the premise of keeping the reactant channel area unchanged, the thickness of electrodes and electrolytes distributed in the original proportion. The effects of the series structure on the distribution of species, average temperature and electrical properties of the cell were studied, and the model cases of different flow modes are developed to explore their influence. The models and results of this study are compared with those of previous studies. The results of simulation show that compared with traditional tubular SOFC, the average current density of the new series SOFC and the new series SOFC with cooling is increased by 18.12% and 9.28% respectively in the co-flow, and the peak power density is increased by 431.94 W/m2 and 211.73 W/m2 respectively. The maximum temperature is reduced by nearly 160 K after the cooling channel is added, showing excellent performance at low temperature. The study concluded that the current conduction path is shortened by using new series, the conduction resistance and ohmic losses are reduced, the added multiple connectors further improve it. The output performance of SOFC is improved by using new series. The heat transfer of new series connection SOFC has been enhanced, and the heat generated by the reaction can be fully exchanged by the adding cooling channel, which reduces the average temperature of the cells during operation, it provides a reference for commercial and practical applications.