Influences of Gas Pressures and Flow Rates on the Maximal Power of SOFC by using the Design of Experiment Methodology

Different types of fuel cells exist; they transform the chemical energy contained in hydrogen into electrical energy and heat. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) debit the largest electric power due to solid electrolyte which allows the cell to function at very high temperature, thus accelerating the reaction kinetics. The fuel cell performance strongly depends on the operating conditions; these performances are related to changes in controllable parameters (e. g. pressures, the compositions of the gas, temperatures, current densities, factors using reagents. . . ) and other less controllable factors talcum impurities, service life. . . . More, several physical parameters involved in the steering system of the fuel cell. Therefore, it is not simple to establish relationships between the causes that may have an influence on the system and measurable effects, or see if there are interactions between factors. In this context, we will study the influence of flows rates and pressures of the reactant gases (hydrogen and air) on maximum power and performance of the SOFC by using the Design of Experiment methodology, which achieves a better knowledge of behavior of the SOFC system in the face of different factors that are likely to change and that, a minimum testing and with maximum precision.