2D performance analysis with a new tank in series model of the planar SOFC operating with different flow directions

Models of different complexity are required in the iterative process of designing a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). However, models having lesser complexity and computational dexterity are the ideal ones at the early stages. The main goal of this work is to present the development of a new tank in series reactor model of the planar SOFC operating in co-, counter-, and cross-current flow directions. The model, which accounts for the charge balances in the electrode and electrolyte in addition to the component balances and the energy balances, facilitates a computationally fast method for 2D analysis of the SOFC performance that is operating under the potentiostatic operating mode. The numerical simulation results indicate the influence of flow direction on the distribution of species concentration, temperature and current density. Among three different flow directions, the co-flow case is the most favourable for the planar SOFC with improved performance. Additionally, the results demonstrate strong coupling between the overpotential and species concentration, current density and temperature. The computational time of this model takes less than 3 minutes to solve 704 ordinary differential equations and then compared to that for 2D CFD models, which takes several hours, the computational time is significantly faster and the model set up is much easier.