Modeling of an anode-supported Ni-YSZNi-ScSZScSZ LSM-ScSZ multiple layers SOFC cell: Part II. Simulations and discussion

In part I of the present study, a two-dimensional isothermal mechanistic model of a composite yttria/scandia stabilized zirconia anode-supported multiple layers solid oxide fuel cell (Ni-YSZNi-ScSZScSZLSM-ScSZ) was developed, calibrated and validated using a button cell setup. In this paper, the model was further validated for extended operating conditions of fuel and oxidant compositions, which confirmed the robustness of the model. Since an important attribute of this model is its ability to accurately describe the effect of cell microstructure on cell performance, a large section of part II is devoted to sensitivity analysis of various microstructure parameters (cathode area, porosity, layer thickness and particle radius) on cell performance. In particular, the simulation results have shown how the button cell microstructure should be modified to optimize its performance. The proposed model could be used as a bridge between micro-scale electrode models and macro-scale unit cell simulation, thus being a useful tool for electrode design.