Improvement of capabilities of the Distributed Electrochemistry Modeling Tool for investigating SOFC long term performance

This report provides an overview of the work performed for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) modeling during the 2012 Winter/Spring Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). A brief introduction on the concept, operation basics and applications of fuel cells is given for the general audience. Further details are given regarding the modifications and improvements of the Distributed Electrochemistry (DEC) Modeling tool developed by PNNL engineers to model SOFC long term performance. Within this analysis, a literature review on anode degradation mechanisms is explained and future plans of implementing these into the DEC modeling tool are also proposed.. Authors: Galdamez, Rinaldo A. Gonzalez [Florida International Univ. (FIU), Miami, FL (United States)]; Recknagle, Kurtis P. [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]. DOE Contract: AC05-76RL01830. Subjects: 30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; ANODES; Distributed Electrochemistry; ELECTROCHEMISTRY; ENGINEERS; FUEL CELLS; MODIFICATIONS; PERFORMANCE; SIMULATION; SOFC Modeling; SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS; fuel cells