Modelling Approaches for Crossflow and Segmented Solid Oxide Cell Reactor

Abstract

The increasing pollution and environmental impact of our society puts our planet in a critical position. Renewable resources and green energy are now more important than ever in combating climate change. Solid oxide cell (SOC) technologies, used in both fuel cells and electrolysis, offer promising solutions for various applications in different fields. This study primarily focuses on modeling and simulating both segmented cell and crossflow cell. A 1D + 1D general segmented stack model is developed based on an existing 2x2 segmented design. Additionally, a 2D crossflow stack model is created using dimensional, thermal and electrochemical parameters obtained from literature. The modelling process presented begins with the base components and extends to the building of system models required form simulation. System models are constructed for crossflow and general segmented stacks. Simulations were carried out for different operating conditions including steam electrolysis in both steady-state and dynamic conditions, co-electrolysis, pressurized co-electrolysis with and without methane addition in the feed stream and fuel cell mode. In steady state operation, the crossflow and segmented stacks exhibit great performances in terms of temperature gradients and voltages. Especially the crossflow technology shows the greatest balance between performances with low temperature gradients and efficiency with the lowest losses even at high current density. For steam electrolysis dynamic operation, the crossflow stack exhibits a rapid response to changes in current density due to its great mass and heat transport.