Abstract
In the present study, we investigated characteristics of a swirling flow in an air channel of a disk shape planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) by using a particle image velocimetry (PIV). In the case of applying circle involute shape current collectors in a lower section of the air channel, the swirling flow maintained constant speed in the free stream region toward the channel exit. This is because a flow passage consisting of two adjacent involute curves functions as a constant-area channel. Furthermore, when involute shape current collectors were arranged in the reverse direction of involute support plates installed in the upper section of the air channel, a flow uniformity was achieved over the wide range of Reynolds numbers by optimizing flow directions.
