A Simple Model for Prediction of Polarization Loss Phenomena in a SOFC Stack

A simple model for prediction of polarization losses occurring in a solid oxide fuel cell is presented. It is a one-dimensional model taking into consideration ohmic and fuel conversion losses, voltage drop due to fuel crossover and internal currents, losses due to gas diffusion through the porous electrodes as well as activation overpotential. The parameters for the modeling equations are derived from literature values which need only be supported by few initial measurements. The model can be implemented to identify separate experimentally found loss phenomena and to predict SOFC behavior - especially E(i) behavior - for most standard situations. Based on this model it is possible to describe results obtained in the laboratory fairly well.