Polarization of the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Anode and Cathode

Abstract

A dual‐porosity, agglomerate‐type model for the porous anode and cathode of the molten carbonate fuel cell is developed and used to predict electrode performance in a small, differential‐conversion, cell. The model is based on a phenomenological treatment of mass transport, electrode kinetics, and ionic conduction, combined with structural assumptions. The model predicts the steady‐state performance, given a minimum number of structural parameters. Comparison with experimental data for a 3 cm2 anode and cathode shows good agreement for plausible values of these parameters.