Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) with internal reforming: model-based analysis of cell dynamics

A transient mathematical model for a single counter-flow cell of a molten carbonate fuel cell has been developed. The model is based on the description of physical phenomena related to the concentration, temperature and potential field within the gas and the solid phases. Simplifications like plug flow and constant pressure in the gas phase as well as a lumped solid phase for energy balance are used. The rate expressions for the electrochemical reactions include mass transport resistances. The potential field is described by a set of algebraic equations allowing for the calculation of a spatially distributed potential field. Some results of the model are presented using the example of a stepwise change in load demand. The results include the steady states of the system as well as the transient functions of concentrations, temperatures, current densities and cell voltage. Due to the general notation of this model in dimensionless form it can easily be extended to describe cross-flow 2D cells as well as 3D stacks. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.