Power Generating Property of Tubular SOFC Using DME as Fuel: Focus on Portable Device

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the possibility of constructing a portable SOFC system using DME as a fuel. It was clarified that DME have some suitable properties as a fuel for the portable device. Tubular SOFC was fabricated and measurements of cell performance with different condition were carried out. The fabricated cell obtained successfully 0.122 Wcm-2 as the maximum power density at 750ºC. The impedance spectra showed that the resistances for electrochemical reactions were dominant factor of voltage drops. Thus it was clarified that decreasing these activation overvoltages is most promising approach to improve power generation property of our fabricated cell.

Application of DME to an SOFC System Designed for LPG

“…In an SOFC system, fuels are often converted to a reformate gas mixture at a reformer before being supplied to the SOFC stacks. In previous study, we reported that DME is easily reformed over commercial reforming catalyst, Ni/Al 2 O 3 , nevertheless in low steam/carbon (S/C) ratio condition [2]. Therefore, if various parameters of SOFC system could be controlled to obtain the same level of power output despite changing the fuel supply, DME would be able to be used as a fuel for an SOFC system designed for LPG without drastically altering the system.…”