Dynamic Response Analysis of Two Conventional Types of SOFCs to the Iinlet Air Mass Flow Rate Variation

The purpose of present study is to investigate the dynamic response of two conventional types of solid oxide fuel cells to the inlet air mass flow rate variation. A dynamic compartmental model is developed for two typical planar and tubular SOFC designs. The model accounts for heat and mass transfer processes, electrochemical processes, activation and ohmic polarizations, among others. Using developed model the dynamic response of the cell to the step change of the air feed stream conditions is investigated. The results show an almost slow electrical response of the cell to the air flow rate step variation that is estimated to be about one hour. Moreover, the effect of the inlet airflow conditions on a tubular solid oxide fuel cell performance is more noticeable than its effects on a planar SOFC