Modeling of planar high temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have the tremendous potential to be the future solution of our energy demands. This paper attempts to model a three dimensional, single, high temperature solid oxide fuel cell operating at 800°C. The model has been prepared using the butler Volmer equations for charge transfer kinetics. For the flow of the gases in the porous gas electrodes, Brinkman Equations have been used, which are combination of Darcy's Law and the Navier Stokes Equations. We have analysed the electrical properties of SOFC developed in the model. From the simulation we have plotted the polarization curve of SOFC, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. The power characteristics representing the output power variation with the current density of the SOFC is also studied and optimum current density is defined. Additionally, the polarization characteristics representing the variation of the average current density of the SOFC with SOFC voltage is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]