Influence of Heat Transfer on Thermal Stress Development in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Review

Noor Shieela  Kalib; Andanastuti  Muchtar; Mahendra Rao  Somalu; Ahmad Kamal Ariffin  Mohd Ihsan; Nurul Ashikin  Mohd Nazrul Aman; Joelle Chia  Wen Mah

Authors

Noor Shieela Kalib School of Engineering & Physical Science-Mechanical, Heriot-Watt University, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Andanastuti Muchtar Centre for Materials Engineering and Smart Manufacturing, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Mahendra Rao Somalu Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Mohd Ihsan Centre for Integrated Design for Advanced Mechanical System, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Nurul Ashikin Mohd Nazrul Aman Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Joelle Chia Wen Mah Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

SOFC, thermal stress, heat transfer, temperature gradient

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) directly convert chemical energy into electrical power with minimal carbon emission. However, maintaining consistently stable electrical power generation can be challenging for SOFCs that operate at high temperatures ranging from 600°C-1000°C. Furthermore, the rigid SOFC assembly stack is prone to the development of thermal stress that leads to mechanical deformation, which subsequently shortens the lifetime of the SOFC system. Hence, identifying a uniform temperature gradient across the stack can minimize the thermal stress distribution across the stack and help prolong the service life of an SOFC system. This paper discusses the source of generated heat, the heat transfer mechanism, and their relation with the temperature gradient and thermal stress distribution.