(3ce) An Optimized Polarization Model for Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Statement of Research Interests

I am a researcher in the multi-disciplinary engineering field focusing on environmentally friendly energy systems. My research has particularly focused on fuel cells and exhaust after-treatment systems, which addresses a fundamental need of the public, that is, the need for pursuing cleaner energy resources and consuming those resources in an optimal way. In the coming years, I intend to extend my research on more renewable energy resources and emission control systems “both in modeling and experiment”, pursuing paths for producing cleaner energies and optimum consumption in order to more precisely tackle energy sector challenges for reducing air pollution and waste of energy resources. The particular challenges in this field include the growing public and private sectors, and the government’s awareness of environmental protection and clean energy requirements. In my future research, I intend to extend my prior skills to cover additional modeling and experimental approaches in order to develop further comprehensive infrastructures for renewable energy resources, emission control systems, and energy saving methods.

As a summary, my research plan includes many emerging technologies and their connection to one another. These technologies fall in the main category of environmentally friendly or clean energy systems, which is of a huge interest and can potentially attract many governmental and industrial funding. Research in this field can receive funding from the NSF, U.S. DOE, and private sectors. I believe that based on my strong background on the field and my immense experience in conducting a research project, I can successfully accomplish the projects and even expand them for future.

Keyvan Daneshvar, Ph.D.

Abstract

A polarization model of an anode-supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) has been developed considering activation overpotential (Butler-Volmer equation), ohmic resistance, and concentration overpotential. In this work, the assembly of Ni-YSZ / YSZ / LSM-YSZ as an anode, electrolyte, and cathode, respectively, was considered. An optimization process was also performed in order to verify the accuracy of the polarization model. Three optimum outputs obtained were cell voltage of 0.57 V, current density of 5620 A/m², and power density of 3205 W/m². The model has been tested against another modeling approach and experimental data. It was found that the results of our model compare well with the outcomes of another model. The model validation using literature experimental data was also satisfactory and acceptable. Finally, a parametric analysis has been carried out to highlight a number of parameters, which are most relevant in the overall cell performance as measured by polarization curve. In particular, the following parameters were accounted for in this analytical study: exchange current densities in anode and cathode (j_0a and j_0c), leakage current density (j_Leak), and temperature (T).

Keywords: SOFCs, Polarization Modeling, Optimization Process, Model Validation, Parametric Analysis.