We have developed a computational framework for modeling chemically reacting flow in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Depending on materials and operating conditions, SOFC anodes afford a possibility for internal reforming or catalytic partial oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels. An important element of the models is the capability to represent elementary heterogeneous chemical kinetics in the form of multi-step reaction mechanisms. Porous-media transport in the electrodes is represented with a Dusty-Gas model. Charge-transfer chemistry is represented in a modified Butler-Volmer setting that is derived from elementary reactions, but assuming a single rate-limiting step. The models are applied in planar and tubular geometries. The models are described in J. Electrochem. Soc., 152:A2427-A2440 (2005).

Solid-oxide fuel cell modeling