Numerical Simulation of SOFC Performance Affected by Cathode Mesoscale-Structure Control

Increase of the current density is one of the most important topics in the development of solid oxide fuel cells. In this study we focus on the possibility of the current density enhancement by controlling the mesoscale structure of the electrodes. Modifications of the mesoscale structures increase the area of electrode-electrolyte interface and the volume of the electrode, reduce the electrolyte thickness, affect gas diffusion in the porous electrode and consequently influence the cell performance. To evaluate its effect on the cell performance, two-dimensional numerical simulation for SOFC with and without mesoscale grooves on the cathode-electrolyte interface is conducted to understand the effects of such cathode mesoscale structure on the cell performance. It is found that the electrochemical reaction in porous electrodes takes place in the region close to the electrode-electrolyte interface and the cell performance can be improved by applying cathode mesoscale structures.