Overview of Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Nurul Ashikin Mohd Nazrul Aman; Andanastuti Muchtar; Mahendra Rao Somalu; Masli Irwan Rosli; Noor Shieela Kalib

Authors

Nurul Ashikin Mohd Nazrul Aman Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Andanastuti Muchtar Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Mahendra Rao Somalu Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Masli Irwan Rosli Centre for Sustainable Process Technology (CESPRO), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: Received 1 August 2018 Received in revised form 20 September 2018 Accepted 23 September 2018 Available online 12 December 2018Owing to the complexity and high cost of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) experiments, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is frequently performed for SOFC analysis. This paper provides an overview of the application of CFD modelling for the development of SOFC performance analysis. First, CFD modelling, materials and flow properties and boundary conditions required for modelling are discussed on the basis of our understanding of transport processes in SOFC. Available CFD software and models for SOFC analysis are then listed, and their applications are discussed. Finally, advancement in CFD modelling application is addressed to understand the CFD modelling ability. Keywords: solid oxide fuel cell, computational fluid dynamics, modelling, performance analysis Copyright © 2018 PENERBIT AKADEMIA BARU - All rights reserved 1. Introduction Alternative energy sources, especially solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), are gaining popularity because of increase in power demands and depletion of fossil fuels. SOFCs are among the fuel cell technologies that use solid-state components and operate at high temperature (800–1000 °C). SOFCs possess several advantages, including high electrical efficiency (~50%), eco-friendliness, silent operation, fuel versatility, and potential for cogeneration [1–3]. However, the commercialization of SOFCs is currently difficult because of cost and durability limitations at high operating temperatures [4,5]. High operating temperature is one of the significant features of SOFCs. The dense ceramic electrolyte in SOFCs requires high temperature to achieve optimum ionic conductivity for electrochemical reactions. At high temperature, the catalytic properties of the electrodes are high and thus increase the electrochemical reaction rate [6]. However, high operating temperature *Corresponding author. E-mail address: muchtar@ukm.edu.my (Andanastuti Muchtar)PenerbitAkademia BaruOpen Access
Noor Shieela Kalib Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

solid oxide fuel cell, computational fluid dynamics, modelling, performance analysis

Abstract

Owing to the complexity and high cost of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) experiments, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is frequently performed for SOFC analysis. This paper provides an overview of the application of CFD modelling for the development of SOFC performance analysis. First, CFD modelling, materials and flow properties and boundary conditions required for modelling are discussed on the basis of our understanding of transport processes in SOFC. Available CFD software and models for SOFC analysis are then listed, and their applications are discussed. Finally, advancement in CFD modelling application is addressed to understand the CFD modelling ability.