Numerical Investigation of Leakage Flow Occurring in a Hydrogen-Fuelled Co Flow Planar All-Porous Solid Oxide Fuel

The All Porous Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (AP-SOFC) is a concept that links the dual and single chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), combining advantages of both. The AP-SOFC does not need any sealant and crack generation in its electrolyte component does not terminate cell operation. In this study, the performance of a hydrogen-fuelled co flow planar AP-SOFC is investigated numerically for the first time. Governing equations include species, mass, momentum, charge and energy solved fully-couple with electrochemical equations. Due to lack of study on hydrogen-fuelled AP-SOFC, first the performance of a conventional hydrogen-fuelled SOFC is modeled and the results are compared with experimental results for the validation purpose, then changes in the model are made to apply the electrolyte porosity. Results show a 29% decline in maximum power density produced by the AP-SOFC compared to its conventional scheme with the same inputs. The main reason for this reduction in the cell performance is mostly the flow leakage of oxygen from the near air channel inlet to the fuel channel side. This leakage leads to displace the maximum cell temperature point.