Gas flow characteristics in the model channel of a disk shape planar-type SOFC

A radial flow between two parallel disk shape plates, which simulates a flow in the disk shape planar-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), was experimentally investigated. A temperature distribution in the planar-type SOFC is strongly affected by the gas flow behavior, and hence we tried to clarify flow pattern at various flowrates by using particle image velocimetry (PIV). It was found that optimum flow condition in the fuel channel was attained in the case of the Reynolds number of about 5. For this operating condition, a flow field near the anode surface shows uniform velocity distribution. On the other hand, in the upper air channel, non-uniform flow distribution was enlarged and large-scale vortex appears with increase of flow rate. In the lower air channel, local high velocity region exists at a high flow rate. For the present disk channel the optimum flow field in the air channel was obtained around the Reynolds number of 30. These results suggest the necessity of improvement of the channel shape and injection method of air.