A Multiphysics Modeling Study of (Pr0.7Sr0.3)MnO3±δ∕8mol% Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Composite Cathodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are expected to be a future power source. Simulation analyses of SOFCs can help to understand well the interactive functions among the multiphysics phenomena in the SOFC system. A three-dimensional multiphysics finite-element model was used to simulate the performance of a half-cell SOFC with (Pr0.7Sr0.3)MnO3±δ∕8mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) composite cathode on one side of the 8YSZ electrolyte before and after aging. Multiphysics phenomena in the SOFC were considered in the modeling. The current/voltage curves simulated matched the experimental data before and after aging. The average current density was found to have a linear relationship to the logarithm of the effective exchange current density. The effect of the effective ionic conductivity of the composite cathode was more apparent for small total effective ionic conductivity values than for large ones.