High-Temperature Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are high temperature fuel cells, which are being developed for large scale and distributed power systems. They are energy conversion devices composed of an ionically conducting electrolyte and electronically conducting electrodes; an anode where the fuel is oxidized and a cathode where oxygen is reduced.

Research over the last decade has improved the design and materials used in SOFCs to increase their performance and stability for long-term operation; however, there are still challenges for SOFC researchers to overcome before SOFCs can be considered competitive with traditional fossil fuel burning and renewable power systems. In particular degradation due to contaminants in the fuel and oxidant stream is a major challenge facing SOFCs.

At CEL, we investigate degradation in SOFC electrodes through computational modeling at the meso- and continuum-scales. Mathematical modelling of SOFC provides insight into the multi-physics occurring within the SOFC and how the design and operation of the SOFC components affect its performance. We develop reactive transport and electrochemistry models to study the fundamental mechanisms of degradation and to understand how various conditions with the electrodes affect the overall performance of the SOFC.

Current research involves the development of mathematical models to study the degradation mechanisms in the SOFC LSM cathode due to impurities such as humidity, carbon dioxide and chromium using an open source platform, OpenFOAM. The models are continuum and require the use of effective parameters. Understanding these degradation mechanisms is important because it will help with the development of better SOFC cathodes, i.e with a higher performance and therefore a more efficient SOFC.

Relevant Publications

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