Multi-objective topology optimization of solid oxide fuel cell flow channels for superior performance

The traditional optimization of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) gas channel is largely heuristic, making it difficult to achieve optimal, inverse, and multi-objective optimization. Because traditional optimization approaches based on experience forward iterations are both time-consuming and economically inefficient. To address this limitation, this work proposed the multi-objective topology optimization method for SOFC flow channel design. This multi-objective topology optimization considered both minimum fluid dissipation and maximum current density, aiming to find a balance between these two objective functions. Besides, this work developed the progressive inheritance solution strategy to successfully solve the topology optimization model for the reaction flow in porous media. By comparing the topology optimization channel with the traditional straight channel, it can be found that, the pressure drops of the topologically optimized structure decreased by 39.8%. The topologically optimized channel can achieve a 10.3% increase in current density under similar channel widths and equal pressure drops. Previous studies have shown that the current densities of cells with profiled channels is merely 3.3% higher than that of conventional straight-flow channels. The comparison results show that the topology optimization method can obtain novel SOFC flow channel structure with superior performance. This work provides a new perspective and method for realizing optimal, reversible and multi-objective optimization design for SOFC flow channel.