Numerical simulation and experimental verification of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell with double-convex platform current collector in portable device
By leveraging the advantages of methanol steam reforming(MSR)for hydrogen production and tubular solid oxide fuel cells(SOFC),a portable hydrogen and power generation device was developed by integrating MSR with micro-tubular SOFC(μT-SOFC).A numerical model of μT-SOFC with a double-convex current collector was established and validated(error rate less than 5% )using COMSOL Multiphysics.The simulation results show that the double-convex platform current collector enhances the current collection efficiency while maintaining a small temperature difference at different voltages.MSR catalysts were prepared using the impregnation method,whereas the anode-supported μT-SOFC was fabricated using an extrusion forming-leaching process.The morphologies of the MSR catalysts and μT-SOFC were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.Gas chromatography of the MSR product revealed a hydrogen gas volume fraction approaching 70% .The portable device utilizes a stepper motor to control the inlet flow rate of methanol-water solution,achieving different volume flow rates of MSR gas products,with an average flow rate reaching up to 1163 mL/min.The μT-SOFC demonstrated an open circuit voltage of 0.96 V and a maximum output power density of 190 mW/cm2.After a simulated 4-hour operational test,there was no significant decline in electrochemical performance.Further simulations under these operating conditions showed that the cell performance was primarily limited by the MSR conversion efficiency.Additionally,adjusting the air inlet direction was found to enhance the output power.Currently,there are few studies on the application of μT-SOFC and related devices.This study provides guidance for the application of μT-SOFC in portable devices.
methanol steam reformingmicro-tubular solid oxide fuel cellsnumerical simulationhydrogen and power generation devices
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