Reliability of the numerical SOFC models for estimating the spatial current and temperature variations

Numerical models play a vital role in the SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) research field; nonetheless, one can never rely on a non-validated model. Numerous models exist in the literature; however, they are utmost validated with the conventional I[sbnd]V (current-voltage) curves, whereas the temperature variations are almost never validated. In this study, we present spatial currents and temperatures computed by a numerical model and measured in-situ by the electrode-segmentation method in microtubular-SOFCs. By exploiting these numerical and experimental data, we evaluate the accuracy of the current distribution predicted by a numerical model validated with the conventional I[sbnd]V curve. This evaluation shows that the numerical model underestimates the current variations. Secondly, we assess the reliability of the temperature distribution predicted by the model verified with the conventional I[sbnd]V curve. This assessment reveals that the numerically computed temperatures substantially differ from the experimental results with the rising current density. Thirdly, we analyze the accuracy of the model-validation based on the I[sbnd]V curves and the temperature variations. This double validation approach improves the accuracy of the model.