Three-dimensional Modeling of Internal Reforming SOFC with a Focus on the Interconnect Size Effect

A comprehensive 3D mathematical model is developed for planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) running on hydrocarbon fuels.  The model fully considers the coupled gas transport, ionic conduction, electronic conduction, electrochemical reactions, internal reforming reaction, water gas shift reaction, and heat transfer.  The model is validated by comparing the simulation results with literature data.  Parametric simulations are conducted to investigate how the size of interconnect rib affect the various physical and chemical processes in the SOFC.  It’s found that the interconnect rib greatly influences the gas diffusion in the porous electrode thus influences the electrochemical/chemical reactions.  Optimal rib size is observed for internal reforming SOFCs.  The results are useful for design of SOFC stack with hydrocarbon fuels.