The development of heat transfer and gas flow modeling in the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)

There are sources of heat generation and absorbtion in SOFCs, which are affected by gas parameters in the fuel cells. These sources cause heat transfer to the flowing gases. The pressure drop caused by flow resistance in the channels has effects on the distribution of temperature and gas flow rate. Some modeling work has been carried out under the assumption of laminar flow during the last few years. The present work concerns a review of heat transfer and gas flow modeling developments in the SOFCs as well as some new modeling development. The different models are compared in terms of model level (unit or stack, system), flow type (cross-, co- or counter-flow) and developed or developing flow, thermal source considered, boundaries used in the model, models of heat transfer to the gas and whether the pressure drops were considered in the model. Some useful remarks and conclusions are drawn. Results from a new modeling approach are also provided.