Lattice Boltzmann Modeling of Two Component Gas Diffusion in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

In recent years, the need for high efficiency, low emission power generation systems has focused much attention on the use of fuel cell technology. Solid oxide fuel cells are suitable for power generation systems due to their high operating temperature (800 °C -1000 °C). Two-component gas flow (H2 and H2O) in the porous media of solid oxide fuel cell’s anode have been modeled via the lattice Boltzmann method; molecular distributions of the components are evaluated and the concentration voltage drop is investigated. The results of the voltage drop in different current densities are validated with previous studies. Then the effects of various parameters, such as porosity and non-dimensional current density, on gas diffusion of H2 and H2O and also the concentration voltage drop in the porous anode are evaluated. It was revealed that at a specific non-dimensional current density, reducing porosity causes increasing H2 concentration in the anode and concentration voltage loss. A computer program inMATLAB has been used to apply the CFD model.

Keywords:

Gas flow , Porous media , Lattice Boltzmann method , Gas diffusion , Solid oxide fuel cell ,