Novel applications for micro-SOFCs

The application of micro-solid oxide fuels cells in small systems is discussed. Two types of application are examined, namely, leisure CHP systems and micro-hybrid vehicles. A unique triple layer catalyst–SOFC–catalyst system has been designed utilising propane/butane fuel. The system consists of a co-generating gas burner with a pre-reforming catalyst, a micro-SOFC stack and an oxidation catalyst. The pre-reforming catalyst comprising of Ru metal on Saffil® ceramic wool, was used to partially reform the propane/butane gas prior to entering the fuel cell, preventing carbon formation. The micro-SOFCs were YSZ tubes (Adelan, UK) with nickel/YSZ cermet anodes on the outside and strontium-doped lanthanum manganite cathodes on the inside. Final oxidation was provided by a cordierite honeycomb coated with platinum combustion catalyst producing most of the heat for the fuel cell operation. Initial performance results were obtained and it was shown that a co-generating system could be achieved using a propane/butane fuel supply, piezoelectric ignition system and air supply for the triple catalyst system. The application of this micro-SOFC system for leisure and micro-hybrid vehicles, such as golf trolleys and power-assisted bicycles, is described.