Optimal design of bi-layer interconnector for SOFC based on CFD-Taguchi method

In order to reduce the concentration polarization of SOFC, a novel SOFC with bi-layer interconnector is presented. This novel bi-layer interconnector can disturb the fuel and air gas flow in the direction which is normal to the SOFC triple-layer and enhance the mass transfer effectively. In this paper, the effect of bi-layer interconnector on the performance of SOFC is investigated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Three controllable parameters of interconnector are considered. Each parameter has five levels. The Taguchi method is used as a systematic approach to plan and analyze the CFD results. The numerical results show that the novel interconnector can enhance the mass transfer in porous electrode, reduce the concentration polarization of SOFC, and improve the performance of SOFC. The Taguchi method can reduce the calculation model amount and the calculation time significantly. The optimal levels of controllable parameters for bi-layer interconnects are determined. The contribution ratio of rib height H is the most significant one, for which more attention should be paid during the design and operation stages.