Transient Performance of Micro-Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

The transient performance of microtubular solid oxide fuel cells was investigated, with promising results. It was found that a single cell can take less than half a second to adjust to load changes, even when the change steps across the majority of the cell’s range. In addition, no undershooting of the voltage step was seen in these tests. When steps of equal size were ranged across the current-voltage spectrum, more distortion was seen at the higher voltages. Cells with cathodes applied by dip-coating (instead of brush-painting) were then dynamically tested in a similar way. Their transient performance was significantly weaker, with visible undershooting and longer re-adjustment times of 10–15 s. This is thought to be due to the difference in the microstructure of the cathode layers made by the different coating methods.

A Comparative Investigation on Various Platinum Nanoparticles Decorated Carbon Supports for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

“…Fuel cells are known to have a very low emission of greenhouse gases such as CO 2 , SO x etc with high efficiencies (70% theoretically and 40~50% practically). Moreover, they are non-polluting energy sources and capable of providing very high energy densities [5][6][7][8][9].…”

Transient Performance of Micro-Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Stacks

“…There are various papers analysing transient performance of single cells theoretically and computationally (2)(3)(4)(5), and a study by Bhattacharyya et al(5) and recent work of K.S. Howe and K. Kendall (6) provide some experimental data. As each mSOFC produces only around 0.5W, they must be stacked to increase power output; this paper briefly summarises single cell dynamic test results (6), giving some new data, before describing results from a small stack composed of the same cells.…”

“…Howe and K. Kendall (6) provide some experimental data. As each mSOFC produces only around 0.5W, they must be stacked to increase power output; this paper briefly summarises single cell dynamic test results (6), giving some new data, before describing results from a small stack composed of the same cells.…”