Application of semi-homogenization approach in multiphysics coupling model of solid oxide electrolyzer cell stack

The creation of the multiphysics coupling model to examine the performance of solid oxide electrolyzer cell stack is highly significant for hydrogen production. Given the complexity of the physical and chemical processes involved, modeling at the stack level presents considerable challenges. Consequently, the development and application of suitable simplification approaches are of critical importance. In this study, a semi-homogenization approach for modeling solid oxide electrolyzer cell stack is introduced. This approach semi-homogenizes the gas channels, ribs, and electrodes, while employing piecewise functions to delineate the characteristics of specific regions. The results suggest that the semi-homogenized stack model exhibits high accuracy. Moreover, the semi-homogenization approach can still capture distinct flow channel features within the stack. It is posited that this approach holds significant promise for further research of solid oxide electrolyzer cell stack, owing to its high accuracy, reduced computational time and resources, and wide applicability.