Multicriteria Assessment of the Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Cell Design and Materials Development: Design and Modeling Approach

J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol 10(1), 011007 (Jan 30, 2013) (11 pages)Paper No: FC-12-1033; doi: 0.1115/1.4023387
Multicriteria Assessment of the Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Cell Design and Materials Development: Design and Modeling Approach
Junichiro Otomo
Department of Environment Systems, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Center for Low Carbon Society Strategy, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan
otomo@k.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Keiko Waki
Department of Energy Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Center for Low Carbon Society Strategy, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan
Koichi Yamada
Office of the President, The University of Tokyo
Center for Low Carbon Society Strategy, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan
Abstract
Reports a study of the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in terms of the cell designs and the physicochemical properties of the component materials, such as the electrode and electrolyte, in order to determine the potential of state-of-the-art SOFC technology for widespread use of SOFCs.
Researchers analyzed a flat tubular type SOFC stack for residential use as a standard case of a production version in terms of stack volume, weight, and material cost. They determined power density and power generation efficiency by model estimation. A microtubular type SOFC was evaluated as an example of an advanced cell design. The assessment of the cell design can pinpoint performance advantages of the microtubular type in stack volume, weight, material cost, volumetric power density, and efficiency. Assessment results suggest that the development of cell design is a consistent approach to improving cell and stack performance. The assessment method can provide hints to a reliable research strategy for improving cell performance and realizing the widespread use of SOFCs.
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