Microstructural Characterisation, Modelling and Simulation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes


Book Description

This work deals with microstructural characterisation, modelling and simulation of SOFC electrodes with the goal of optimizing the electrode microstructures. Methods for a detailed electrode analysis based on focused ion beam (FIB) tomography are presented. A 3D FEM model able to perform simulations of LSCF cathodes based on 3D tomography data is shown. A model generating realistic, yet synthetic microstructures is presented that enables the optimization of microstructural characteristics.




Solid Oxide Fuel Cells


Book Description

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical power generation devices that can convert chemical energy of a fuel into electricity in an efficient, environmental-friendly, and quiet manner. Due to their high operating temperature, SOFCs feature fuel flexibility as internal reforming of hydrocarbon fuels and ammonia thermal cracking can be realized in SOFC anode. This book presents an overview of the SOFC technology with a focus on the recent developments in new technologies and new ideas for addressing the key issues of SOFC development. This book first introduces the fundamental principles of SOFCs and compares SOFC technology with conventional heat engines as well as low temperature fuel cells. Then the latest developments in SOFC R&D are reviewed and future directions are discussed. Key issues related to SOFC performance improvement, long-term stability, mathematical modelling, as well as system integration/control are addressed, including material development, infiltration technique for nano-structured electrode fabrication, focused ion beam – scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) technique for microstructure reconstruction, the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) simulation at pore scale, multi-scale modelling, SOFC integration with buildings and other cycles for stationary applications.




Materials Characterisation Five


Book Description

Until recently, engineering materials could be characterized successfully using relatively simple testing procedures. However, advanced materials technology has led to the development of materials with complex meso-, micro- and nano-structures that can no longer be characterised with simple testing procedures. Materials modelling and characterisation have become ever more closely intertwined. Characterisation, in essence, connects the abstract material model with the real-world behaviour of the material in question. Characterisation of complex materials often requires a combination of experimental and computational techniques. This book contains papers to be presented at the Fifth International Conference, convened to facilitate the sharing of recent work between researchers who use computational methods, those who perform experiments, and those who do both, in all areas of materials characterisation. The papers cover such topics as: Advances in composites; Thermal analysis; Nano-materials; Damage mechanics; Computational models and experiments; Mechanical characterisation and testing; Nano-composites; Energy materials; Chemo-mechanical problems; Innovative experiments; Recycled materials; and Corrosion problems.




Solid Oxide Fuel Cells 12 (SOFC-XII)


Book Description

This issue of ECS Transactions contains papers from the Twelfth International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XII),a continuing biennial series of symposia. The papers deal with materials for cell components and fabrication methods for components and complete cells. Also contained are papers on cell electrochemical performance and its modelling, stacks and systems, and prototype testing of SOFC demonstration units for different applications.




Characterization of Porous Materials


Book Description

The papers included in this issue of ECS Transactions were originally presented in the symposium ¿Characterization of Porous Materials¿, held during the 213th meeting of The Electrochemical Society, in Phoenix, Arizona from May 18 to 23, 2008.




High Temperature Electrolysis


Book Description

This book explores the potential of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) in the field of hydrogen production. It describes this technology in detail, including fundamentals, state-of-the-art the technology, materials development, current limitations, recent trends and industrial applications. It clarifies SOECs role in decarbonizing the energy sector, drawing on contributions from experts in the field.




Tortuosity and Microstructure Effects in Porous Media


Book Description

This open access book presents a thorough look at tortuosity and microstructure effects in porous materials. The book delivers a comprehensive review of the subject, summarizing all key results in the field with respect to the underlying theories, empirical data available in the literature, modern methodologies and calculation approaches, and quantitative relationships between microscopic and macroscopic properties. It thoroughly discusses up to 20 different types of tortuosity and introduces a new classification scheme and nomenclature based on direct geometric tortuosities, indirect physics-based tortuosities, and mixed tortuosities (geometric and physics-based). The book also covers recent progress in 3D imaging and image modeling for studying novel aspects of tortuosity and associated transport properties in materials, while providing a comprehensive list of available software packages for practitioners in the community. This book is a must-read for researchers and students in materials science and engineering interested in a deeper understanding of microstructure–property relationships in porous materials. For energy materials in particular, such as lithium-ion batteries, tortuosity is a key microstructural parameter that can greatly impact long-term material performance. Thus, the information laid out in this book will also greatly benefit researchers interested in computational modeling and design of next-generation materials, especially those for sustainability and energy applications.




Ionic and Mixed Conducting Ceramics 7


Book Description

The papers included in this issue of ECS Transactions were originally presented in the symposium ¿Ionic and Mixed Conducting Ceramics 7¿, held during the 217th meeting of The Electrochemical Society, in Vancouver, Canada, from April 25 to 30, 2010.




Electrochemical Energy


Book Description

Electrochemical Energy: Advanced Materials and Technologies covers the development of advanced materials and technologies for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. The book was created by participants of the International Conference on Electrochemical Materials and Technologies for Clean Sustainable Energy (ICES-2013) held in Guangzhou, China, and incorporates select papers presented at the conference. More than 300 attendees from across the globe participated in ICES-2013 and gave presentations in six major themes: Fuel cells and hydrogen energy Lithium batteries and advanced secondary batteries Green energy for a clean environment Photo-Electrocatalysis Supercapacitors Electrochemical clean energy applications and markets Comprised of eight sections, this book includes 25 chapters featuring highlights from the conference and covering every facet of synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of the advanced materials for electrochemical energy. It thoroughly describes electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, hydrogen generation, and their associated materials. The book contains a number of topics that include electrochemical processes, materials, components, assembly and manufacturing, and degradation mechanisms. It also addresses challenges related to cost and performance, provides varying perspectives, and emphasizes existing and emerging solutions. The result of a conference encouraging enhanced research collaboration among members of the electrochemical energy community, Electrochemical Energy: Advanced Materials and Technologies is dedicated to the development of advanced materials and technologies for electrochemical energy conversion and storage and details the technologies, current achievements, and future directions in the field.




Fuel Cell Engineering


Book Description

Fuel cells are attractive electrochemical energy converters featuring potentially very high thermodynamic efficiency factors. The focus of this volume of Advances in Chemical Engineering is on quantitative approaches, particularly based on chemical engineering principles, to analyze, control and optimize the steady state and dynamic behavior of low and high temperature fuel cells (PEMFC, DMFC, SOFC) to be applied in mobile and stationary systems. - Updates and informs the reader on the latest research findings using original reviews - Written by leading industry experts and scholars - Reviews and analyzes developments in the field