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Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Print E-mail
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SOFC auxiliary power unit :: source: http://delphi.com/

SOFC auxiliary power unit
source: http://delphi.com/

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are the fuel cells of the highest operating temperature at present. The electrolyte is such a thin ceramic (solid oxide) layer that is able to conduct oxygen ions at a high temperature. In the second half of the 1950’s two basic types of solid oxide fuel cells were developed: the SOFCs of tubular and panel structure.

The charge carrying oxygen ions form on the cathode from oxygen molecules and electrons. On the anode, after combining with hydrogen, the electrons are released, which reach the cathode through an outer circuit while producing current and heat.

 

Parameters:

  • Type of electrolyte: e.g., solid zirconium oxide
  • Operational temperature: 600°C-1100°C
  • Electric efficiency: 60%-65%

Reactions:

  • On the anode: 2H2 + 2 O2- => 2H2O + 4e-
  • On the cathode: O2 + 4e- => 2O2-
  • The complete reaction: 2H2 + O2 => 2H2O

Advantages:

  • High electric efficiency
  • The efficiency can be increased to over 70% by a turbo-motor
  • Due to the high temperature it is not sensitive to the quality of the fuel

Disadvantages:

  • Slow starting
  • Slow reaction to the changes of current demands
  • Expensive raw materials due to the high temperature

Areas of use:

  • Power plants
  • Industrial usage

Related links

  1. Fuel Cell Basics
  2. Wikipedia
 

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