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08:16
Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells
Published on: October 2, 2016
Fuel oxidation efficiencies and exhaust composition in solid oxide fuel cells.
Michael B Pomfret1, Oktay Demircan, A Mary Sukeshini
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology
|September 27, 2006
Summary
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) efficiently oxidize hydrocarbon fuels like methane and butane. The Cu/CeO2 anode demonstrated the highest fuel oxidation efficiency, producing more CO2 relative to CO in exhaust gases.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) convert fuel into electricity via ion migration.
- Understanding fuel oxidation mechanisms is crucial for SOFC efficiency and environmental impact assessment.
- Hydrocarbon fuels can undergo various reactions within SOFCs, including reforming and carbon deposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the exhaust composition of SOFCs operating with methane and butane fuels.
- To assess fuel oxidation efficiency using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
- To investigate the impact of different anode materials (Ni/YSZ, Cu/CeO2/YSZ) on SOFC performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze SOFC exhaust.
- Operated SOFCs with methane (CH4) and butane (C4H10) over Ni/YSZ and Cu/CeO2/YSZ cermet anodes.
- Quantified partial pressures of CO2 and CO in exhaust to determine fuel oxidation efficiency (P(CO2)/P(CO) ratio).
Main Results:
- The Cu/CeO2 anode with butane fuel exhibited the highest P(CO2)/P(CO) ratio (0.628 ± 0.016), indicating superior fuel oxidation.
- The Ni/YSZ anode with methane showed a significant P(CO2)/P(CO) ratio (0.486 ± 0.023).
- The Ni/YSZ anode with butane yielded a lower P(CO2)/P(CO) ratio (0.224 ± 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Anode material and fuel type significantly influence SOFC fuel oxidation pathways and efficiency.
- Cu/CeO2 anodes show promise for enhanced hydrocarbon fuel utilization in SOFCs.
- Balancing carbon content in fuel feed and exhaust aids in predicting SOFC reaction mechanisms.
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