Solid oxide fuel cells stationary

Schiller G, Henne R, Lang M, and Muller M. Development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for stationary and mobile applications by applying plasma deposition processes. Mat. Sci. Forum 2003 3 2539-2544. 

For natural-gas-fuelled CHP plants, the same line of argumentation holds as for the stationary use of hydrogen from biomass. It is more reasonable to use natural gas directly than to convert it to hydrogen first and then to heat and electricity. High electrical efficiencies can be reached in the stationary sector by feeding natural gas to molten-carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) and solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Molten-carbonate fuel cells have the added advantage of using C02 for the electrolyte (see also Chapter 13). 

We discuss both the Proton Exchange Membrane as well as the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in this chapter (PEMFC and SOFC). Both types are in full development, the PEMFC for mobile and stationary applications, and the SOFC for stationary applications as well as for auxiliary power generation for transport. 

FIGURE 5.20 Industrial-sized 220 kW solid oxide fuel cell made by Siemens. (Courtesy of Siemens PG CTET Stationary Fuel Cells, Europe.)... 

In recent decades, research has intensified to develop commercially viable fuel cells as a cleaner, more efficient source of energy, due to the global shortage of fossil fuels. The challenge is to achieve a cell lifetime suitable for transportation and stationary applications. Among the possible fuel cell types, it is generally believed that PEM fuel cells hold the most promise for these uses [10, 11], In order to improve fuel cell performance and lifetime, a suitable technique is needed to examine PEM fuel cell operation. EIS has also proven to be a powerful technique for studying the fundamental components and processes in fuel cells [12], and is now widely applied to the study of PEM fuel cells as well as direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs), and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). 

One of the more important fuel cells is the solid oxide fuel cell Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), since they offer a realistic opportunity for use in electric utility operations. A schematic of a fuel cell is shown in Figure 38. These can be developed in stacks having 5-10 kW capacity that would be suitable for both stationary and mobile power units. 

Using fossil fuels in solid oxide fuel cells, it is possible in cars to reform the fuels to hydrogen within the device. CO2 will be a side product, unlikely to be collectable as in stationary installations. What are the implications for greenhouse gas emissions For natural gas as fuels, what is the global gas re-... 

Ghosh, D. (2003). Development of stationary solid oxide fuel-cells at Global Thermoelectric Inc. In "M World Hydrogen Energy Conference", Montreal 2002, File BOOlg, 5 pp. CD published by CogniScience Publ. for TAssociation Canadi-enne de I Hydrogene, revised CD issued 2003. 

Weber, A., Ivers-Tiffee, E. (2004). Materials and concepts for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in stationary and mobile applications. /. Power Sources 127, 273-283. 

Singhal, S.C. Solid oxide fuel cells for stationary, mobile, and military applications. Solid State Ionics 2002,152, 405-10. 

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) use a nonporous ceramic compound as the electrolyte and operate at very high temperatures (1,800°F). Heat can be recaptured for co-generation, making these fuel cells highly efficient (80-85%). Because of size, heat output, and a long start-up time, these fuel cells are more suitable for stationary applications. 

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) Ceramic solid electrolyte H2, natural gas, coal gas O2 (in air) 800-1000 Stationary power plants, cogeneration plants... 

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