Comprehensive Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance Degradation Mechanism, Prediction, and Optimization Studies

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance degradation analysis and optimization studies are important prerequisites for its commercialization. Reviewing and summarizing SOFC performance degradation studies can help researchers identify research gaps and increase investment in weak areas. In this study, to help researchers purposely improve system performance, degradation mechanism analysis, degradation performance prediction, and degradation performance optimization studies are sorted out. In the review, it is found that the degradation mechanism analysis studies can help to improve the system structure. Degradation mechanism analysis studies can be performed at the stack level and system level, respectively. Degradation performance prediction can help to take measures to mitigate degradation in advance. The main tools of prediction study can be divided into model-based, data-based, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based, and image-based approaches. Degradation performance optimization can improve the system performance based on degradation mechanism analysis and performance prediction results. The optimization study focuses on two aspects of constitutive improvement and health controller design. However, the existing research is not yet complete. In-depth studies on performance degradation are still needed to achieve further SOFC commercialization. This paper summarizes mainstream research methods, as well as deficiencies that can provide partial theoretical guidance for SOFC performance enhancement.

Numerical Study on Effects of Flow Channel Length on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Integrated System Performances

“…The efficiency of electricity generation is described as the ratio of the SOFC stack power output to the fuel energy consumed by the SOFC over a specific period. The expression for electricity generation efficiency is shown in Equation (17).…”

“…Many scholars have conducted a parameter analysis of integrated systems for SOFCs [16]. Considering the high construction costs of SOFC-integrated systems, mathematical modeling and simulation methods are generally used [17]. Zhao et al developed a model of a solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine (SOFC-GT) system to gain a comprehensive understanding of the optimal integration of the SOFC, gas turbine, and other system components.…”

Technological Challenges and Advancement in Proton Conductors: A Review

“…In view of advantages, the high operating temperature provides sufficient thermal energy for improved electrochemical kinetics in the absence of an external platinum or gold catalyst. On the contrary, the high operating temperature serves as a primary cause for electrolyte degradation and longer start-up time, − while a curtail in operating temperature perturbs the composition’s microstructure with predominant grain and grain boundary effects at low and intermediate temperatures . Limiting operational temperature of SOFC to intermediate regimes (400–700 °C) introduces large ionic transport resistance and decreases conductivity.…”

Design of Mixed Ionic-Electronic Materials for Permselective Membranes and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Their Oxygen and Hydrogen Mobility

“…The progressive trend in alternative energy research is directed towards the intensive development of hybrid configuration systems that combine multiple energy sources and power systems to maximize the efficiency of energy production, use and storage [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Current polygeneration technologies include, among others, the combination of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) as a promising source of direct energy production [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ] with batteries, gas turbines, vehicles, heat systems, desalination systems, and hydrogen production systems [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. The hybrid systems of SOFCs with proton-exchange membrane fuel cells [ 18 , 20 , 24 ] and waste-to-energy systems based on biofuels [ 25 , 26 ] should be mentioned separately.…”