A random resistor network analysis on anodic performance enhancement of solid oxide fuel cells by penetrating electrolyte structures

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 139; no. 1; pp. 21 - 29
• Main Authors: Jeon, Dong Hyup, Nam, Jin Hyun, Kim, Charn-Jung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.01.2005; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Anodic polarization resistance; Applied sciences; Composite anode; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Penetrating electrolyte structures; Random resistor network model; Solid oxide fuel cell; Random resistor network model; Penetrating electrolyte structures; Solid oxide fuel cell; Anodic polarization resistance; Composite anode; Anode; Ion transport; Polarization resistance; Secondary cell; Simulation; Performance; Electrochemical reaction; Resistor; Fuel cell; Anodic polarization
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2004.07.014

The anodic performance enhancement of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) by introducing penetrating electrolyte structures was investigated using a random resistor network model considering the transport of electrons and ions, and the electrochemical reaction in composite anodes. The composite anode was modeled as a mixture of ionic and electronic particles, randomly distributed at simple cubic lattice points. The dependence of the anodic polarization resistances on the volume fraction of the electronic phase, the thickness of the anode, and the insertion of various penetrating electrolyte structures were explored to obtain design criteria for best performing composite anodes. The network simulation showed that the penetrating electrolyte structures are advantageous over flat electrolytes by enabling more efficient use of electrochemical reaction sites, and thereby reducing the polarization resistances.