The transient thermomechanical behavior of solid oxide fuel cell during the operation condition variations

Yong Zeng, Hongwei Zhang, Ruyu Shi, Dong Yan, Lichao Jia, Meng Ni, Wenying Zhang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising energy conversion technology with high efficiency, low emission and fuel flexibility. In practical and dynamic operation, the thermal stress at the interface of different layers can cause cracks or even thermal mechanical failure. This study investigates the transient thermomechanical behavior of SOFC under changing operating conditions. A three-dimensional dynamical model is developed by considering the electrochemical reaction, electron and ion transport, gas diffusion, heat and momentum transfer, and thermal-mechanical interaction. When the operating conditions vary, the time it takes for the thermal stress to reach a steady state is consistent with the time required for heat transfer to stabilize. The electrolyte layer is subjected to the maximum gradient of thermal stress change after the voltage is switched. With an increase in the inlet gas temperature, the change in the cell temperature can be divided into two stages: a rapid rise and a slow rise. Appropriate prolongation of the temperature rise time is beneficial to the thermal stability of SOFC. The increase in inlet gas temperature changes the distribution trend of cell temperature and thermal stress, while the 50 % reduction in cathode and anode inlet velocity changes its magnitude.

Original languageEnglish
Article number235369
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume622
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Multi-physics modeling
  • Operating condition variations
  • Solid oxide fuel cell
  • Transient thermal stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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