Complete polarization model of a solid oxide fuel cell and its sensitivity to the change of cell component thickness

S. H. Chan*, K. A. Khor, Z. T. Xia

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

910 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents a complete polarization model of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that eliminates the ambiguity of the suitability of such model when used under different design and operating conditions. The Butler-Volmer equation is used in the model to describe the activation overpotential instead of using simplified expressions such as the Tafel equation and the linear current-potential equation. In the concentration overpotential, both ordinary and Knudsen diffusions are considered to cater for different porous electrode designs. Sensitivity tests are then conducted to show the effect of the thickness of the respective fuel cell components on the drop in cell voltage. Results show that the performance of an anode-supported fuel cell is superior to that using cathode as the support under elevated operating pressure in the cathode compartment. The former can achieve an improved operating range of current density under normal atmospheric conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)130-140
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume93
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 1 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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