Optimization of Flow Rate for Improving Performance and Stability of Ni-YSZ based Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using CH₄ Fuel

摘要

The advantages of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), compared with other types of fuel cells, include theirhigh energy conversion efficiency and their utilization of hydrocarbon fuels without reformers.Although conventional Ni-based cermet anodes have commonly been used as an anode material withhigh catalytic properties for H2 fuel, the carbon deposition in Ni-YSZ anodes when hydrocarbon fuelsare used directly is a critical problem that results in the destruction of the anode microstructure andabrupt decline in cell performance. Our research focuses on optimizing the flow rate of CH4-fueled Ni- YSZ anode/YSZ electrolyte/LSM-YSZ cathode type SOFC unit cells for improving cell performance-2 o -2 o and better durability. A high power density of 0.75 Wcm at 800 C, 0.5 Wcm at 700 C and 0.4-2 o Wcm at 650 C using CH4 fuel as well as excellent durability were obtained via optimization of CH4o o o flow rate at 800 C, 700 C, and 650 C operating temperatures. The different types of carbon thatcause an increase or decrease in cell performance under certain operating conditions was alsoinvestigated.