Current Density Distribution in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Application ID: 514


This model presents a study of the current density distribution in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC).

The model includes the full coupling between the mass balances at the anode and cathode, the momentum balances in the gas channels, the gas flow in the porous electrodes, the balance of the ionic current carried by the oxide ion, and a balance of electronic current. A truly large number of couplings in this multiphysics model.

Results show that as a consequence of oxygen depletion, the current density distribution is poor, with most of the current produced close to the cathode inlet. This means that the cell is not used optimally.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: