Determination of electronic conductance of solid oxide fuel cells

This work considers electronic conductance in solid oxide fuel cells and consequences of its existence. Various types of electrolyte are analyzed. The voltage characteristics of cells show differences between a theoretical maximum circuit voltage and open circuit voltage (OCV). A relationship is assumed between the OCV value and electronic conductance. Based on experimental measurements an appropriate mathematical model was created. The model is used to calculate the temperature dependence of electronic conductance for the most popular types of electrolytes: GDC (Gadolinia-Doped Ceria), ScSZ (Scandia Stabilized Zirconia), LSGMC (Cobalt, Strontium, and Magnesium Doped Lanthanum Gallate), YSZ (Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia). The obtained results point to the possible existence of a very tight relationship between the electronic conductance and the open circuit voltage. This relationship enables OCV to be calculated when electronic conductance is known. Appropriate formulae can be determined. Temperature is one of the factors which influences the value of electronic conductance. Other influencing factors also exist but their impact on OCV is not well know. This article mentions some of them.