Numerical analysis of the effects of interconnector design and operating parameters on solid oxide fuel cell performance.

Fuel cells can provide higher electrical conversion efficiency than traditional coal-fired power plants and electric generators based on internal combustion engines. In addition, high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have two specific advantages compared with other fuel cells as a result of their high-temperature operation. First, SOFCs are compatible with various fuels, ranging from hydrogen to CO and hydrocarbons. Second, SOFCs generate significant amounts of exhaust heat that can be used in combined heat and power systems. Furthermore, SOFCs have quiet and vibration-free operation, eliminating the noise typically associated with power generation systems. These fuel cells also produce no or very low levels of SO 2 and NO emissions. In this study, we numerically investigated the performance of a planar SOFC with different interconnector designs at various operating temperatures. Multiple parameters were considered, such as interconnection geometries, anode and cathode materials, operating temperatures, and flow rates. As a result, the horizontal sinusoidal flow channel geometry, operating temperature of 600 °C, hydrogen gas flow rate of 86.5 SCCM/min, and oxygen gas flow rate of 28.75 SCCM/min, NiO anode material, and LSCF cathode material provided the greatest performance in terms of energy and current density. • The SOFC with a horizontally sinusoidal design exhibits a higher current density. • A lower working temperature of 600 °C is more beneficial for SOFC performance. • The LSCF cathode and NiO anode materials for maximum power density. • The gas flow rates of H 2 increase, performance of the fuel cell also increases. • The gas flow rates of O 2 increase, performance of the fuel cell also increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]