Abstract
Characteristics of a swirling flow in an experimental channel of a disk shape planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) were experimentally investigated with the aid of a laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). In the case of applying circle involute shape current collectors made of porous metal, a rapid reduction of a velocity close to their surface was reduced. Furthermore, a velocity component normal to the current collector has positive value due to the gas flow permeating porous metal. These phenomena led to the discrepancy from the streamline along the involute curve and caused the mild deceleration toward the channel exit. On the other hand, a velocity distribution along the normal to the current collector became uniform by using the current collectors made of permeable porous material.
