A review on macro-level modeling of planar solid oxide fuel cells

In this review paper, a comprehensive literature survey on macro-level modeling of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is presented. First. the current status of the SOFC modeling is assessed. Second, modeling techniques are discussed in detail. These include the thermodynamics, electrochemistry and heat transfer aspects of the modeling. Thermodynamic relations for pure hydrogen as the fuel and then gas mixture as the fuel are given. Additionally, exergy destructed due to polarizations is shown. Then, modeling equations for ohmic, activation, and concentration polarizations are given. Handling the carbon deposition problem in the modeling is discussed. The inclusion of the convection and radiation heat transfer processes to the modeling is explained. Finally, the models in literature are compared in terms of the methodology used and suggestions for increasing the accuracy of the future models are given. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.