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Modeling of a Gradient Porosity SOFC Anode using the Lattice Boltzmann Method

Abstract:

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy present in reactant fuels into electrical energy and heat. Such conversion is given by the electrochemical reactions that occur inside the fuel cells when the reactant gases reach the so-called Three-phase Boundary (TPB). However, before the reactant gases can reach the TPBs, they have to pass through an anisotropic layered material in which the fluid behavior is not easy to explain. The purpose of this paper is to obtain a detailed behavior of the fluid flow through a modeled SOFC anode with gradient porosity using the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Three different modeled SOFC anodes are analyzed keeping the porosity as a constant value, but varying the void space distribution in the flow direction. Results show that the an decreasing porosity in the flow direction can offer more possibilities for reactant gases to get easily the TPB; and therefore, the reaction rate during the electrochemical reactions can be increased.