Three-dimensional computational analysis of gas and heat transport phenomena in ducts relevant for anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells

Various transport phenomena occurring in an anode duct of medium temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been simulated and analyzed by a fully three-dimensional calculation method. The considered composite duct consists of a thick porous layer, the gas flow duct and solid current interconnector. Unique fuel cell boundary and interfacial conditions, such as the combined thermal boundary conditions on solid walls, mass transfer associated with the electrochemical reaction and gas permeation across the interface, were applied in the analysis. Based on three characteristic ratios proposed in this study, gas flow and heat transfer were investigated and presented in terms of friction factors and Nusselt numbers. It was revealed that, among various parameters, the duct configuration and properties of the porous anode layer have significant effects on both gas flow and heat transfer of anode-supported SOFC ducts. The results from this study can be applied in fuel cell overall modeling methods, such as those considering unit/stack level modeling. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.