Gas Transport Impedance in Segmented-in-Series Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

Gas phase transport is a very important electrode process in practical solid oxide fuel cells. In this study, we have identified gas conversion impedance and gas diffusion impedance in the Mitsubishi segmented-in-series tubular solid oxide fuel cell. Gas conversion impedance is caused by the weak convection transport in the gas flow channel. It is observed that both the insufficient anode and cathode gas flow rates can result in the gas conversion impedance. Gas conversion impedance appears at less than 0.1 Hz, and its magnitude strongly depends on the gas flow rates. It disappears when the gas flow rates of both the anode and cathode are improved sufficiently. Anode gas diffusion through the porous substrate appears at ∼0.5 Hz and dominates the overall diffusion impedance. Cathode gas diffusion through the porous current collecting layer appears at ∼3 Hz, which significantly contributes to the overall gas diffusion impedance under low cathode oxygen partial pressures. © 2010 The Electrochemical Society.