The rib-type structure of the interconnect is crucial for flow field uniformity

lifespan

and performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). This article establishes a three-dimensional numerical model of a single SOFC cell

using the flow uniformity index as an indicator to evaluate the flow field design’s adaptability to material flow rates. It investigates the impacts of key interconnect structural parameters

such as rib type

rib width

and rib height on flow uniformity

power density

and fuel utilization. The results demonstrate that teardrop-shaped ribs improve flow uniformity

power density

and fuel utilization compared with rectangular and cylindrical ribs. Moreover

the effects of rib width and height on power density and fuel utilization exhibit a parabolic trend that first increases and then decreases. The optimal overall cell performance is achieved when the rib width is 1.0 mm and rib height is 0.5 mm. This study provides useful recommendations for optimizing fuel cell stack design

flow field uniformity

and overall performance.