Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells and Stacks
A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) electrochemical model has been created for detailed analysis of a high-temperature electrolysis stack (solid oxide fuel cells operated as electrolyzers). Inlet and outlet plenum flow distributions are discussed. Maldistribution of plena flow show deviations in per-cell operating conditions due to non-uniformity of species concentrations. Models have also been created to simulate experimental conditions and for code validation. Comparisons between model predictions and experimental results are discussed. Mass, momentum, energy, and species conservation and transport are provided via the core features of the commercial CFD code FLUENT. A solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) model adds the electrochemical reactions and loss mechanisms and computation of the electric field throughout the cell. The FLUENT SOFC user-defined subroutine was modified for this work to allow for operation in the electrolysis mode. Model results provide detailed profiles of temperature, Nernst potential, operating potential, activation over-potential, anode-side gas composition, cathode-side gas composition, current density and hydrogen production over a range of stack operating conditions. Variations in flow distribution, and species concentration are discussed. End effects of flow and per-cell voltage are also considered. Predicted mean outlet hydrogen and steam concentrations vary linearly with current density, as expected. Contour plots of local electrolyte temperature, current density, and Nernst potential indicate the effects of heat transfer, reaction cooling/heating, and change in local gas composition.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE - NE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-99ID13727
- OSTI ID:
- 935472
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-08-14297
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
3D CFD Model of a Multi-Cell High Temperature Electrolysis Stack
CFD Model of a Planar Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell: Base Case and Variations
Related Subjects
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CURRENT DENSITY
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROLYSIS
ELECTROLYTES
END EFFECTS
FLUID MECHANICS
FUEL CELLS
Flow Distribution
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
High Temperature Electrolysis
Hydrogen Production
OXIDES
SIMULATION
SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
STEAM
TRANSPORT
VALIDATION