Integration of Flow–Thermal–Stress Modeling for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Fuel cells will play an important role in future energy production. An integrated set of modeling tools is invaluable to the design of fuel cells. These tools should represent the fluid, thermal, electrochemical and structural response of the cells. Researchers at PNNL are developing computer models that will provide a unified method for analyzing these phenomena.
Computational fluid dynamics analyses solve the flow and thermal problems associated with this research. Close coupling with the finite element analysis determines the corresponding stress levels and safety factors. In addition, specialized software being developed by PNNL researchers will predict fuel cell performance and assess the reliability and lifetime of the cell.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling demonstrates that temperature profiles are nonisothermal during startup.
Finite element analysis modeling calculates thermal stress profiles from computational fluid dynamics temperature results.