Performance analysis and parametric study of a solid oxide fuel cell fueled by carbon monoxide

A theoretical model of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fueled by carbon monoxide is adopted and validated, in which the activation overpotential, concentration overpotential, and ohmic overpotential are regarded as the main sources of voltage losses. Based on the thermodynamic-electrochemical analysis, mathematical expressions of some performance parameters such as the cell potential, power output, efficiency, and entropy production rate are derived. The effects of microstructure parameters such as the electrode porosity, tortuosity, pore size, grain size, etc. on the electrochemical performance characteristics of the SOFC are revealed. Moreover, the effects of some operation conditions such as the current density, anode inlet gas molar fraction, operating temperature, and operating pressure on some important performance parameters of the SOFC are also discussed. It is found that there exist some optimal values of microstructure parameters and operating conditions at which the better performance can be expected. The results obtained in the paper may provide some theoretical guidance for the design and operation of practical SOFCs fueled by coal-derived gases.