Dynamics of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Operation

The dynamics of solid oxide fuel cell operation (SOFC) have been considered previously, but mainly through the use of one-dimensional codes applied to co-flow fuel cell systems. In this paper a cross-flow geometry is considered. The details of the model are provided, and the model is compared with some initial experimental data. For parameters typical of SOFC operation, a variety of transient cases are investigated, including representative load increase and decrease and system shutdown. Of particular note are results showing cases having reverse current over significant portions of the cell, starting from the moment of load perturbation up to the point where equilibrated conditions again provide positive current. Consideration is given as to when such reverse current conditions might most significantly impact the reliability of the cell.