S0305-1-3 Numerical Analysis on Area around Pinhole in Electrolyte of SOFCs

The effects of defect in electrolyte on SOFCs have been studied by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. For defects, pinholes having the size from 10 μm to 100 μm in diameter were introduced to the 15 μm-thick electrolyte. Both structures of electrolyte on anode (electrolyte/anode) and cathode on electrolyte having cell structure (cathode/electrolyte/anode) were analyzed. At 800℃, dry hydrogen gas and air were introduced to anode and space/cathode, respectively, and CFD analyses were carried out. In case of the former structure, combustion was shown to be occurred in the space apart from the electrolyte, and increased temperature was calculated. In case of the latter structure, combustion area was shown to move toward anode area, and part of the anode was possibly oxidized.