Simulation of Heat Transfer and Effects on Reaction-Coupled Transport Processes in SOFCs Available to Purchase

For anode-supported plate solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), the size of the porous anode is bigger than that of the fuel gas flow duct in terms of thickness and cross-sectional area. The heat transfer rates are controlled by various operating and design parameters, and have significant effects on chemical reactions and coupled transport processes. In this study, the considered composite duct is relevant for an intermediate temperature (600–800°C) plate design and consists of a porous anode layer for the internal reforming reactions of methane, the fuel gas flow duct and solid plate. A fully three-dimensional calculation method is developed to simulate and analyze heat transfer and combined effects on internal reforming/electrochemical reactions and the coupled transport processes, with purpose to reveal the importance of various parameters. The results show that the operating temperatures have significant effects on the chemical reactions, fuel gas distribution and overall performance.