Numerical Analysis of Thermal Stress for a Stack of Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

In this work, a 3D multi-physics coupled model was developed to analyze the temperature and thermal stress distribution in a planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack, and then the effects of different flow channels (co-flow, counter-flow and cross-flow) and electrolyte thickness were investigated. The simulation results indicate that the generated power is higher while the thermal stress is lower in the co-flow mode than those in the cross-flow mode. In the cross-flow mode, a gas inlet and outlet arrangement is proposed to increase current density by about 10%. The generated power of the stack increases with a thin electrolyte layer, but the temperature and its gradient of the stack also increase with increase of heat generation. The thermal stress for two typical sealing materials is also studied. The predicted results can be used for design and optimization of the stack structure to achieve lower stress and longer life.

Effect of relative humidity on corrosion of Q235 carbon steel under thin electrolyte layer in simulated marine atmosphere

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain the environmental factor, which has the greatest effect on the corrosion rate of Q235 carbon steel under thin electrolyte layer, and to analyze the effect of this factor on the corrosion morphology, corrosion products and polarization process of Q235 carbon steel. Design/methodology/approach An electrochemical device, which can be used under thin electrolyte layer is designed to measure the corrosion current in different environments. Response surface methodology (RSM) is introduced to analyze the effect of environmental factors on corrosion rate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique are used to analyze the results. The Tafel slopes of anode and cathode in different humidity and solution are calculated by least square method. Findings The three environmental factors are ranked according to importance, namely, humidity, temperature and chloride ion deposition rate. In a high humidity environment, the relative content of α-FeOOH in the corrosion product is high and the relative content of β-FeOOH is low. The higher the humidity, the lower the degree of anodic blockage, whereas the degree of cathodic blockage is independent of humidity. The above experiments confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the device, indicating it can be used for the screening of corrosive environmental factors. Originality/value In this paper, an electrochemical device under thin film is designed, which can simulate atmospheric corrosion well. Subsequent SEM and XRD confirmed the reliability of the data measured by this device. The introduction of a scientific RSM can overcome the limitations of orthogonal experiments and more specifically and intuitively analyze the effects of environmental factors on corrosion rates.

Effect of Organic Acids on the Electrochemical Migration of Tin in Thin Electrolyte Layer

Background and Objective: The effects of representative solder flux residue weak organic acids on electrochemical migration (ECM) of tin in thin electrolyte layer were studied using a technique based on the coupling of in situ electrochemical measurements and optical observations, as well as ex situ characterizations. Methods and Results: The results showed that the increasing amount of weak organic acid decreased the probability of ECM and dendrites formed were mainly composed of metallic tin. Tin ions reacted with organic compound ions from hydrolysis of weak organic acids to form complexes with electronegativity, which retarded the transfer of tin ions. Some complexes can be oxidized to the insoluble tin oxides on the anode surface and blocked the dissolution of anode during tin ECM. Conclusion: The growth rate of tin dendrite was found to be limited by the dissociation of complexes. Mechanisms involved were proposed to explain the role of weak organic acid in the tin ECM.

INHIBITORY ACTION OF GARLIC EXTRACT IN THE CORROSION OF COPPER UNDER THIN ELECTROLYTE LAYERS

The inhibition effects of garlic extract on copper corrosion under a thin electrolyte layer (TEL) were investigated using weight-loss measurements, electrochemical methods and surface analysis. Results showed that the volatile organosulfur compounds of garlic extract, such as diallyl trisulfide and di-2-propenyl disulfide, among others, could adsorb on the surface of copper and have a significant inhibitory effect on copper corrosion. Garlic extract acted as a mixed-type inhibitor for copper under TEL. Surface analyses, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were conducted to illustrate the inhibitive mechanisms of this plant extract under a TEL.