Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Thermodynamic Study

Abstract

The aim of this work is the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) thermodynamic study. Particular attention is given to the electric power optimization. The Nernst potential and the over-potentials that are due to the concentration polarization, activation polarization and to the Ohm polarization represent the fuel cell potential. A FORTRAN language program was developed locally for the cell model simulation.

From the result analysis, it appears that the developed model allowed understanding the operating condition effects on both potential and power density values. The obtained results show that the cell potential and the power density are proportional to the operating temperature changes and to the oxygen concentration in the oxidant, by cons, they are inversely related to the supply pressure changes, fuel moisture and to the electrolyte thickness.

Keywords

• SOFC,power density,over-potential,thermodynamic

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