Development of Reformate-Model-Gas Generator for SOFC Testing

Abstract

Cell(s) voltage and power density of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) depend on testing conditions such as gas composition and flow-rate and operated temperatures as well as cell materials and designs themselves. A safe and precise method was developed to generate reformate-model-gases corresponding to various raw fuels of SOFC system (CH4, kerosene, diesel etc.) and reforming reactions at wide range of S/C, O2/C, and temperatures. It was confirmed that the reformate-model-gases can be precisely produced over a Ni catalyst using H2-O2-CO2-(N2) or H2-CH4-CO2-N2 mixtures as feedstock. Flow-rate calibration of the feedstock could realize uncertainties of the model-gas compositions and flow-rates at a level of {plus minus}1.0 mol.% for H2 and H2O, {plus minus}0.5 mol.% for CO, CO2, and CH4, and {plus minus}1.1% for total flow-rate of the model reformates.