Journal of Computational & Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (JCARME)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Mehdi Borji

Department of Mechanical Engineering, La.C., Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran

10.22061/jcarme.2026.11493.2523

Abstract

A comprehensive investigation has been conducted into the direct internal reforming planar type solid oxide fuel cell (DIR-PSOFC) through numerical analysis. The mathematical modeling of DIR-PSOFC is achieved through the implementation of conservation equations and a comprehensive electrochemical model. The synthesis gas fuel is introduced into the fuel channel, where both carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) undergo electrochemical oxidation. Gas flows are treated as plug flows with a co-flow configuration. Results of the simulation are then compared with and without the inclusion of carbon monoxide electrochemical oxidation. This comparison encompasses temperature fluctuations along the cell's longitudinal axis and the mole fraction variations of all gaseous species along the cel length, in addition to the electrical performance of the SOFC. It has been demonstrated that CO accounts for only 20% of the total current density. The contribution of CO to the generation of electric current at the inlet is 15%. At the point of maximum current density, the value is 16.17%. The cell operating voltage, power density, and fuel efficiency have been demonstrated to exhibit an enhancement, with an augmentation observed from 0.68 to 0.75 V, 3411.396 to 3739.130 W/m2, and 45.83% to 50.23%, respectively, when CO is used as a reactant in the anode side TPB. It has been determined that the electrochemical reaction of CO results in elevated heat generation within the cell, which in turn enhances the operating temperature. Consequently, the activation and ohmic losses are diminished, thereby improving the local current density and cell operating voltage.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Main Subjects

Fuel Cells

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Journal of Computational & Applied Research in Mechanical Engineering (JCARME)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 January 2026

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