CFD modelling and experimental validation of cell performance in a 3-D planar SOFC

Fuel cells can be used to provide power for most electrical or electronic devices designed for operation from batteries or from conventional utility power sources. In this study, a three dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation model has been developed and experimentally tested for an anode-supported planar SOFC that has bipolar plated for corrugation which serving as a gas channel and current collector. Experiments were performed on planar cross-flow type at different reactant flow rates, cell temperatures and pressures. In the experimental analysis, values varied from 0.12 L/min to 2 L/min for reactant and from 700 °C to 800 °C SOFC cell temperature. Thereby divergent operating parameters about cell parameters have been addressed. The conservation equations of momentum, energy and mass types are solved with the ANSYS FLUENT software in the proposed model. The maximum power density measured as 6 kW/m2 under optimum working conditions. The results also show that the current density and the inlet velocity of fuel gassed are the main parameters that drive the fuel utilization and the total conversion efficiency. All the experimental and numerical findings, which were in good agreement with each other, showed that for Current density – Potential difference characteristic of SOFC cell graphs.