A review on mathematical modelling of Direct Internal Reforming- Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

The Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) anode materials are catalytically active for Direct Internal Reforming (DIR) thus avoiding the need of external reformer. However, practical application of DIR in SOFCs requires careful system design and selection of operating conditions to avoid cell degradation due to carbon depositions and other impurities. In recent years, numerous simulation studies, besides experimental investigations, have been carried out to understand the physical and electrochemical complexities of DIR-based SOFC systems in order to develop viable designs and optimize the operating conditions before conducting costly experiments. The objective of this work is to review the present status of DIR-SOFC modeling efforts and consolidate their findings in order to highlight the unresolved problems for future research in this field. A specific focus of this review has been given to the multiscale mathematical modeling. Pre-reforming techniques, influences of the chemical and electrochemical reaction kinetics and operational variables along with future prospects of the DIR-SOFC have been also reviewed and discussed. [Display omitted] •An overview of pre-reforming arrangements to minimize the carbon formation.•Volume averaged and microstructure oriented models have been discussed.•Steam methane reforming reaction kinetics are critical for a precise model.•Alternative fuels for direct internal reforming are examined.•Effect of fuel quality, operating conditions and geometric parameters on DIR-SOFC.