Simulation of Bio-Fuels as Fuel for SOFC

Hydrogen and Natural gas are currently considered to be the main fuels for fuel cells. Hydrogen is an ideal fuel in terms of fuel cell working conditions. Unfortunately, hydrogen is not present in the environment in an uncombined form and there are difficulties with production, transportation and storage. Natural gas. 

Abandoning gas/liquid/solid fuels in favor of electricity generated by renewable sources and/or nuclear plants. In this case, the energy distribution role will be provided by the power grid, and the storage role by consumers, 

Production of plant-derived gas/liquid fuels based on the cultivation of plants and shrubs, such as Salix Viminalis, and their conversion into fuel, e.g. alcohols. 

Since using electricity alone would be problematic (e.g. airplanes), the cultivation of energy seems to be one of the most possible scenarios for the future. Hence, one of the most plausible future scenarios in the power markets is the production of gas/hquid fuels, such as alcohols, derived from specially cultivated plants and shrubs, such as Salix Viminalis. The advantages of this approach include easy storage, existing distribution network, easy to implement in the transport industry (especially in airplanes) and potential eco-friendly aspects. 

The use of bio-fuels as a fuel in fuel cells has been relatively poorly explored. A few results have been obtained from simulations and experiments for SOFC in [31 0]. The main consideration in these studies of bio-fuel is bio-gas from sewage or gasifier. In many cases, bio-fuel is subjected to hydrogen reforming processes [41,42], and only hydrogen is supplied to the cells. Theoretical analysis [43] was also carried out with regard to reforming of bio-fuel for a phosphoric acid fuel ceU (PAFC). 

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Bio-methanol before entering the SOFC is pre-mixed with water and then evaporated (see Fig. 5.106 for details). Relevant data on the ratio of steam to methanol to avoid carbon deposition are given in Fig. 5.37 (for definition see Table 5.4). During the simulations the molar ratio of steam to methanol was assumed at 1 (i.e. 50% aqueous solution of methanol as fuel). For this value and above 130°C, there is no risk of carbon deposition. High temperature fuel cells can operate at a somewhat lower ratio of water to methanol. 

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