(Cont.) Microfabrication techniques such as photolithography, sputtering, and photo-resist liftoff were used to create various micro SC-SOFC that are 25-400microns long and 15-40microns wide, utilizing platinum and gold for the electrodes and YSZ as the electrolyte. After successfully fabricating these micro SC-SOFCs, the fuel cells were tested in a microprobestation with a custom gas chamber enclosure, which was exposed to CH4:02:N2 at 20:20:100 ccm or 40:20:100 ccm. A switch in the OCV from a negative voltage to a positive voltage was observed around 600°C, possible indicating change in electrochemical reactions with temperature. An OCV of [approx.] 0.4V and peak power density of 27[mu]W/cm2 at 900°C in a 1:1 methane:oxygen ratio was achieved. A stack of 10 micro SC-SOFCs as fabricated showing a cumulative OCV of 3.3 V, of an average 0.33 V per cell at 600°C in a 2:1 methane:oxygen ratio. Ongoing research will involve characterizing micro SC-SOFCs to understand the fundamental reaction mechanisms, electrode materials, and architectures to obtain dense, high performing stacks of micro SC-SOFCs.

A comprehensive guide to the modelling and design of solid oxide fuel cell hybrid power plants This book explores all technical aspects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) hybrid systems and proposes solutions to a range of technical problems that can arise from component integration. Following a general introduction to the state-of-the-art in SOFC hybrid systems, the authors focus on fuel cell technology, including the components required to operate with standard fuels. Micro-gas turbine (mGT) technology for hybrid systems is discussed, with special attention given to issues related to the coupling of SOFCs with mGTs. Throughout the book emphasis is placed on dynamic issues, including control systems used to avoid risk conditions. With an eye to mitigating the high costs and risks incurred with the building and use of prototype hybrid systems, the authors demonstrate a proven, economically feasible approach to obtaining important experimental results using simplified plants that simulate both generic and detailed system-level behaviour using emulators. Computational models and experimental plants are developed to support the analysis of SOFC hybrid systems, including models appropriate for design, development and performance analysis at both component and system levels. Presents models for a range of size units, technology variations, unit coupling dynamics and start-up and shutdown behaviours Focuses on SOFCs integration with mGTs in light of key constraints and risk avoidance issues under steady-state conditions and during transient operations Identifies interaction and coupling problems within the GT/SOFC environment, including exergy analysis and optimization Demonstrates an economical approach to obtaining important experimental results while avoiding high-cost components and risk conditions Presents analytical/computational and experimental tools for the efficient design and development of hardware and software systems Hybrid Systems Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Modelling and Design is a valuable resource for researchers and practicing engineers involved in fuel cell fundamentals, design and development. It is also an excellent reference for academic researchers and advanced-level students exploring fuel cell technology.

High-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Second Edition, explores the growing interest in fuel cells as a sustainable source of energy. The text brings the topic of green energy front and center, illustrating the need for new books that provide comprehensive and practical information on specific types of fuel cells and their applications. This landmark volume on solid oxide fuel cells contains contributions from experts of international repute, and provides a single source of the latest knowledge on this topic. A single source for all the latest information on solid oxide fuel cells and their applications Illustrates the need for new, more comprehensive books and study on the topic Explores the growing interest in fuel cells as viable, sustainable sources of energy

Presents innovative approaches towards affordable, highly efficient, and reliable sustainable energy systems Written by leading experts on the subject, this book provides not only a basic introduction and understanding of conventional fuel cell principle, but also an updated view of the most recent developments in this field. It focuses on the new energy conversion technologies based on both electrolyte and electrolyte-free fuel cells?from advanced novel ceria-based composite electrolyte low temperature solid oxide fuel cells to non-electrolyte fuel cells as advanced fuel-to-electricity conversion technology. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: From Electrolyte-Based to Electrolyte-Free Devices is divided into three parts. Part I covers the latest developments of anode, electrolyte, and cathode materials as well as the SOFC technologies. Part II discusses the non-electrolyte or semiconductor-based membrane fuel cells. Part III focuses on engineering efforts on materials, technology, devices and stack developments, and looks at various applications and new opportunities of SOFC using both the electrolyte and non-electrolyte principles, including integrated fuel cell systems with electrolysis, solar energy, and more. -Offers knowledge on how to realize highly efficient fuel cells with novel device structures -Shows the opportunity to transform the future fuel cell markets and the possibility to commercialize fuel cells in an extended range of applications -Presents a unique collection of contributions on the development of solid oxide fuel cells from electrolyte based to non-electrolyte-based technology -Provides a more comprehensive understanding of the advances in fuel cells and bridges the knowledge from traditional SOFC to the new concept -Allows readers to track the development from the conventional SOFC to the non-electrolyte or single-component fuel cell Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: From Electrolyte-Based to Electrolyte-Free Devices will serve as an important reference work to students, scientists, engineers, researchers, and technology developers in the fuel cell field.

High Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Design and Applications provides a comprehensive discussion of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOFCs are the most efficient devices for the electrochemical conversion of chemical energy of hydrocarbon fuels into electricity, and have been gaining increasing attention for clean and efficient distributed power generation. The book explains the operating principle, cell component materials, cell and stack designs and fabrication processes, cell and stack performance, and applications of SOFCs. Individual chapters are written by internationally renowned authors in their respective fields, and the text is supplemented by a large number of references for further information. The book is primarily intended for use by researchers, engineers, and other technical people working in the field of SOFCs. Even though the technology is advancing at a very rapid pace, the information contained in most of the chapters is fundamental enough for the book to be useful even as a text for SOFC technology at the graduate level.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) operate at high temperatures allowing more fuel flexibility and also useful heat output and so increase total efficiency, but does give some interesting engineering challenges. Solid Oxide Fuels Cells: Facts and Figures provides clear and accurate data for a selection of SOFC topics from the specific details of Ni cermet anodes, chemical expansion in materials, and the measuring and modelling of mechanical stresses, to the broader scope of the history and present design of cells, to SOFC systems and the future of SOFC. Celebrating Ulf Bossel’s work on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, and especially his running of the European Fuel Cell Forum, Solid Oxide Fuels Cells: Facts and Figures covers important topics on the way including intermediate temperature fuel cells, metal supported fuel cells and both new materials and engineering solutions to some of the challenges of getting SOFC to market. The chapters are based on the special plenary talks given by some of the most respected and talented people in the field at the 2010 European SOFC Forum in Luzern and the title for this book comes from the report produced by Ulf for the IEA “Final Report on SOFC Data, Facts and Figures”, Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Berne, 1992. The comprehensive nature of Solid Oxide Fuels Cells: Facts and Figures makes it a key resource of SOFC topics for students, lecturers, researchers and industry practitioners alike.