Effect of the geometries of current collectors on the power density in a solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

An analytical model is proposed and an analysis is conducted for solid oxide fuel cells with goals of higher power densities. The analytical model is designed to help optimize the size, spacing, and geome-trical shapes of current collectors. The model fully considers the ohmic, species concentration, and activa-tion polarizations. From the analysis of several cases, it is recommended that 3D pillars be used for the current collectors in SOFCs while incorporating appropriate measures to ensure a uniform flow distribu-tion. It is also clear that unless limited by the fabrication technologies for the bipolar plates, smaller con-trol areas and current collectors are preferable for SOFCs to have higher power densities.