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FEM model of the ohmic resistance of IP-SOFCs

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Abstract

In the present work, the ohmic resistance of an integrated planar-SOFC (IP-SOFC) has been evaluated by developing a model whose equations have been solved numerically through an FEM method. The model allows to estimate the distribution of voltage and current density in the cell. A comparison between simulated and experimental data of area specific resistance is reported, which shows satisfactory agreement. The mathematical model has also been used to carry out some parametric studies for optimisation purposes. Indeed, a reduction in cell pitch length and an increase in electrode thickness are predicted to lead to a reduction in ohmic losses in IP-SOFCs.

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Abbreviations

ASRO :

Ohmic area specific resistance (Ω cm2)

V :

Voltage (V)

x :

Co-ordinate (cm)

y :

Co-ordinate (cm)

Ω:

Domain

Γ:

Interface

σ :

Conductivity (Ω−1 cm−1)

i :

Cell component

1:

Anode

2:

Electrolyte

3:

Cathode

4:

Interconnect

5:

Cathode

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Ltd for financial support, and for supplying the experimental data. In particular, thanks go to Robert Collins of RRFCS for interesting discussions. The authors also acknowledge the British Council/CRUI project for funding an exchange of visits between RRFCS and the University of Genoa aimed at transferring the experimental data for model validation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DICHEP, University of Genoa, Via all’Opera Pia 15, 16145, Genoa, Italy

    Laura Repetto & Paola Costamagna

Authors
  1. Laura Repetto
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  2. Paola Costamagna
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Correspondence to Paola Costamagna.

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Repetto, L., Costamagna, P. FEM model of the ohmic resistance of IP-SOFCs. J Appl Electrochem 38, 1005–1010 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-008-9526-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-008-9526-2

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