Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology offers great potential for clean power generation for its high conversion efficiency and fuel flexibility. However, its commercialization has been limited from a lack of long-term stability. My research seeks to use non-linear electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (NLEIS) as a tool for early detection of performance degradation in SOFC, providing the ability to prevent critical failure and prolong SOFC lifetime. NLEIS probes the harmonic response of a system, providing insights into non-linear kinetics, transport and system control processes. By uncovering these underlying phenomena, NLEIS can provide valuable information about the condition of SOFC system. Starting with a control-integrated SOFC model, I will simulate NLEIS responses under failing conditions to determine patterns linked to different degradation mechanisms. This will be followed by experiments with a commercially available SOFC. From simulation and experimental results, I hope to demonstrate ability to use NLEIS for SOFC performance diagnosis.
Advisor: Stuart Adler — Chemical Engineering