Analysis of Entropy Generation for the Performance Improvement of a Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to investigate possible improvements in the design and operation of a tubular solid oxide fuel cell. To achieve this purpose, a CFD model of the cell is introduced. The model includes thermo-fluid dynamics, chemical reactions and electrochemistry. The fluid composition and mass flow rates at the inlet sections are obtained through a finite difference model of the whole stack. This model also provides boundary conditions for the radiation heat transfer. All of these conditions account for the position of each cell within the stack. The analysis of the cell performances is conducted on the basis of the entropy generation. The use of this technique makes it possible to identify the phenomena provoking the main irreversibilities, understand their causes and propose changes in the system design and operation.