Numerical Analysis of Gas Flow Distribution Characteristics in a 5 kW Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Stack

This work presents an advanced CFD model of a 5kW Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell stack intended to provide a broad analysis and deliver improved design through optimizing flow distribution. The goal is to provide variant analysis of flow distribution in the internal channels through the CFD model. SolidWorks was used to design the MCFC stack, and SOLIDWORKS® Flow Simulation was utilized to model the flow distribution inside the stack. The simulated stack was validated through an experimental investigation of a 5kW MCFC stack, empirically measuring pressure and flow distribution in an experimental laboratory station optimized for multi-scale fuel cell stack testing. The test was designed to examine a variety of internal flow distribution factors. The verified CFD model was employed for sensitivity analysis on various scales. To enhance the design, the influence of stack and single-cell constructional characteristics on the 5 kW MCFC was investigated.