The reversed flow operation of a crossflow solid oxide fuel cell monolith

The dynamic operation of a monolithic reactor was studied for the case of a planar crossflow solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) monolith. A two-dimensional non-steady-state heterogeneous model was applied to a theoretical investiga tion of the electrochemical oxidation of H-2 in SOFCs monolithic arrangemen ts, operating under forced periodic reversal of the flow. The present study shows the feasibility of this dynamic reactor operation mode, for the auto thermal and highly efficient SOFC operation, also comparing the basic opera tional characteristics of the crossflow and co current flow SOFC arrangemen ts. Results are reported on the dynamic evolution along the reactor of, fue l conversion, temperature and current distribution, thermodynamic energy co nversion efficiency and volumetric power density. In fact, the successful a pplication of this dynamic mode of operation can be proved to be of very hi gh potential technological importance for the simple and highly efficient o peration of an SOFC. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.