Mathematical modelling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells revisited -- a modified formulation of the problem

Abstract: In the paper a mathematical model of the PEN structure (positive electrode - electrolyte - negative electrode) of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is analyzed. It is proved that classical formulation of the problem leads inevitably to locally unphysical effects related to negative values of the activation overpotential. Moreover, the active layers' thicknesses are shown to be components of solution and cannot be predefined in an arbitrary way. A modified mathematical formulation of the problem is proposed which includes this novelty alongside an amended definition of the activation overpotential. A dedicated computational scheme is developed for the cathode sub-problem. The accuracy of computations is investigated by means of a newly introduced analytical benchmark example. The numerical results obtained for LSCF cathode are used to discuss certain aspects of the modified formulation and the active layer thickness. The new modelling approach is validated by comparison with experimental data.