The study of multiphysics field coupling and thermal stress in three types of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC)

Abstract

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) technology emerges as a promising method for hydrogen production. In this study, a 3D geometric and mathematical model for a planar cathode-supported SOEC is established. The developed model is validated in agreement with the experimental data obtained at same conditions. Three different channel types (square, trapezoidal, and rectangular) are simulated and compared in terms of cell overall performance and various transport phenomena occurred inside the SOEC. Local distribution of gas concentrations of reactants and products, temperature, current density, and thermal stress under different channel types are predicted and presented. The findings reveal that the fuel utilization efficiency of the rectangular channel is approximately 6.77 % and 22.68 % higher than that of the square and trapezoidal channels, respectively. The maximum temperature value of the counter-flow arrangement in the rectangular channel is around 20 K lower than that of the co-flow arrangement. When the cathode inlet volume flow rate is around 10 sccm, the fuel utilization efficiency of the electrolysis cell reaches its maximum, with a value 60 % higher than that at a cathode inlet volume flow rate of 50 sccm. However, the thermal stress distribution uniformity of the rectangular channel is not as good as that of the square and trapezoidal channels, and the trapezoidal channel exhibits the most uniform stress distribution at the electrolyte among the three-channel types.