Numerical Investigation on the Strategies for Reducing the Cell Temperature Gradient of an Indirect Internal Reforming Tubular SOFC

Strategies to reduce the temperature gradient of the cell have been numerically examined by using a comprehensive analytical model of an indirect internal reforming tubular SOFC, the first generation of which was presented at the last conference in 2003 (1^st ICFCSET). In particular, how the air flow rate, gas inlet temperature and density distribution of reforming catalyst affect the thermal field in the cell has been examined. Based on the calculated results, it has been confirmed that larger air flow rate reduces the maximum temperature and accordingly the temperature gradient of the cell, while lower inlet temperatures of gases reduce only the average temperature of the cell. For the reforming catalyst distribution, it has been determined that the temperature gradient of the cell can be fairly reduced by adjusting the amount and allocation of the catalyst. In addition, it has been revealed that the distribution pattern of the catalyst has little effect on the average temperature, so that the power generation performance of the cell is not affected by the adjustment of the catalyst distribution pattern substantially.