Abstract
Radial flow phenomena in a disk-shape channel which simulate a disk-shape planar-type Solid Oxide Fuel Cell(SOFC) was investigated experimentally and numerically under the same condition. In the planar-type SOFC, a reduction of thermal stress is one of the important issues. A temperature distribution in the planar-type SOFC is strongly affected by the gas flow behavior, and hence we tried to clarify flow pattern at various mass flow rate by using Particle Image Velocimetry(PIV). In the present study, it was found that a uniform flow distribution in the fuel channel was attained in the case of the Reynolds number of about 7. On the other hand, non-uniform flow distribution was enlarged with increase of flow rate in the air channel. Results of numerical simulation were in close agreement with experimental measurements. These results suggest the necessity of improvement of the channel shape.
