Design and Optimization of Chromium Getter for SOFC Systems through Computational Modeling

Chromium (Cr) poisoning is one of the major causes of cathode degradation in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). In this study, a computational model of Cr getter is discussed to optimize the design of getter for efficient capture of Cr and higher utilization. Monolithic substrate with 400 cpsi (cells per square inch) has been considered as the initial getter support structure with a coating thickness of 10µm and 50% porosity. Design parameters include operating conditions of 1 kW SOFC system. Numerical results show that the getter design and configurations can be developed and optimized for systems life ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 hours. Initial experimental and modeling results are presented. Approaches for improving getter utilization and life are discussed.