Detailed characteristic comparison between planar and MOLB-type SOFCs

Detailed comparisons of fluid flow, concentration, and electric fields between the planar solid oxide fuel cell (planar SOFC) and the monoblock-layer-built solid oxide fuel cell (MOLB-type SOFC) are made in the present study. A multi-physics model is developed to simulate the SOFCs of different geometries. The model couples the electrochemical kinetics with the fluid dynamics and multi-component species transport. Darcy's law governs the flow momentum in the porous electrodes. The Bruggman model depicts the diffusion of reactant species within the electrodes. The electrochemical kinetics and the species transport on the electrode surfaces is connected by the Butler-Volmer equation. Results show that the MOLB-type SOFC has a higher fuel/oxidant utilization than the planar SOFC. The high utilization of the fuel/oxidant reflects the high current through the SOFC. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.