Three dimensional CFD modeling and experimental validation of an electrolyte supported solid oxide fuel cell fed with methane-free biogas

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• 作者：Omid Razbani ; Mohsen Assadi ; Martin Andersson
• 关键词：SOFC ; CFD modeling ; Biogas ; Experimental set-up ; Water gas shift reaction ; Methane-free biogas
• 刊名：International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：12 August, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：38
• 期：24
• 页码：10068-10080
• 全文大小：3506 K

文摘

In the present study a comprehensive numerical model of a planar cross-flow electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is reported. This model is solved in a 3D environment using COMSOL Multiphysics software. To verify the simulation results, an experimental set-up of a six-cell stack was built. Cell temperature and current-voltage measurements are used for validation of the simulation results. Good agreement between the simulation results and the experimental measurements is achieved. Temperature validation in addition to the popular current/voltage validation ensures that the model performs well in predicting local processes like chemical reactions. In this study methane-free biogas (CO₂?+?H₂) is fed to the SOFC, and the performance of the system is investigated and explained. It is concluded that the methane-free biogas reduces the cooling air flow due to endothermic reverse water gas shift reaction and gives better current density distribution over the cell compared to hydrogen.