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A 3D energy topology network modeling approach for cross-flow SOFCs: comprehensive evaluation of multi-physics field coupling and synergistic responses

Author

Listed:
  • Tang, Haobo
  • Wang, Zhe
  • Li, Shilin
  • Long, Fei
  • Ji, Yulong
  • Han, Fenghui

Abstract

The cross-flow configuration of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) provides specific benefits related to inlet arrangement and performance. However, due to the complexity of flow direction, the use of high-dimensional models to replace labor-intensive experimental procedures has always been the preferred choice. The paper proposes a 3D energy topology network modeling method that provides a comprehensive understanding of heat transfer and temperature distribution along the X-Y-Z direction, and enables efficient calculation of electrical, thermal, and gas-related parameters within each segment. This study aims to statistically analyze and explore the trends of electro-thermal-gas energy flow distributions using a three-dimensional numerical model. The Comprehensive Response Coefficient (CRC) is introduced to quantify the interference effects among different energy flows under varying operating conditions. This approach enables both qualitative and quantitative assessments of multi-physics synergistic responses across different scales, representing a novel contribution of this work. At the cell scale, changes in load conditions yield the highest CRC value (0.17), while variations in the oxygen excess ratio correspond to the lowest CRC value (0.14). Under all tested conditions, the electrical response (61.08%–90.87%) consistently dominates the CRC distribution over the thermal (8.38%–37.85%) and gas responses (0.12%–1.28%), ultimately forming a characteristic sequence of “load-driven, heat-following, gas-feedback.” At the node scale, changes in electrical, thermal, and gas conditions lead to elevated CRC values in the central region of the cell, the inlet, and the outlet, respectively. The combination of 3D numerical modeling with a multi-scale synergistic response evaluation framework enables the investigation of internal node states in the SOFC, facilitates the detection of abnormal fluctuations in coupled behavior, and provides data support for coordinated multi-parameter optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Haobo & Wang, Zhe & Li, Shilin & Long, Fei & Ji, Yulong & Han, Fenghui, 2026. "A 3D energy topology network modeling approach for cross-flow SOFCs: comprehensive evaluation of multi-physics field coupling and synergistic responses," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 409(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:409:y:2026:i:c:s030626192600098x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2026.127446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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