A Homogeneous/Agglomerate Model for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Cathodes

Abstract

A molten carbonate fuel cell cathode model was developed which enables the estimation of performance as a function of cathode electrolyte content. This model is neither a thin film nor a conventional agglomerate model, but involves the calculation of the effective agglomerate diameter, porosity, tortuosity, and number based on knowledge of the electrode's pore spectrum and electrolyte content. Calculated electrode performance and experimental results are compared for cathodes of different pore spectra over a range of electrolyte contents.