Numerical Analysis of the Impact of Operating Parameters on the Polarization Characteristics of Solid-oxide Fuel Cells

Since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, as a result, almost all countries have been tightening their environmental regulations to achieve the net zero goal by 2050. Accordingly, hydrogen energy is in the spotlight to replace carbon-based energy sources. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is considered an alternative resource for internal-combustion engines or fossil fuels, due to its high energy efficiency and zero pollutant emission. In this paper, a simulation of a single SOFC stack was developed using Aspen Plus. Performance data including output voltage at a different temperature, pressure, and porosity conditions are provided and analyzed. The results show that the output voltage is proportional to the operating temperature, pressure, and porosity. As operating conditions affect ohmic loss, activation loss, and concentration loss, performance optimizations are necessary for the economic operation of the fuel cell plant.