Multiphysics Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Abstract

This M.Tech Thesis explores the topic of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and Solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC’s) simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics, discussing the critical need for modeling and simulation tools in the development and optimization of these energy conversion devices. The thesis discusses the fundamental principles of SOFC’s and SOEC’s and the challenges associated with their design and performance. This report also highlights the advantages of simulation-based approaches in overcoming these challenges and enabling the exploration of various design and operational parameters. Testing of fuel cells is a highly costly task and if we have to do it for multiple parameters, then it will take huge time to market and increase substantial cost for research and development and ultimately pass it on to the end user. Using simulation techniques which can capture and couple electrical part, chemical part and fluid dynamics part can help reducing that time, money and effort. The general methodology to model and simulate almost any type of fuel cell is well explained. This study is intended to find and document the procedure to model Solid Oxide Fuel cell in COMSOL Multiphysics® using Electrochemistry module in COMSOL. Thereafter this study will certainly help in the understanding the basics of Cell level modeling and thus help in optimization of cell performance by studying the impact of various input parameters like pressure, temperature, Gas diffusion electrode porosity, Cell length and Electrode thickness. A 3D model of an anode-supported planar reversible solid oxide cell (rSOC) will be developed in the future scope and is currently in the pipeline. The model incorporates multiple physical phenomena, including reversible electrochemistry and charge transport, as well as momentum, mass, and heat transport. Using a unit-cell level geometry, the model assesses the performance of the cell in terms of current-voltage (j-V) characteristics in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Apart from this master thesis discusses the methodology for modeling any type of electrolyzer cell using Fuel cell and electrolyzer module in COMSOL Multiphysics.