Chapter 7 - The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a high-temperature fuel cell in which the cell electrolyte is a solid metal oxide. The operating temperature of SOFCs is between 600°C and 1000°C with most practical cells operating toward the higher end. All solid construction makes fabrication of cells relatively simple and the cells are rugged, with long operational lifetimes. The electrolyte conducts oxygen ions which mediate the cell reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The high temperature allows reforming of natural gas to take place within the cell and carbon monoxide can serve as a fuel too, making the cell insensitive to this impurity. Small SOFCs can be used as domestic heat and power systems while larger cells, potentially using a hybrid configuration could provide utility power with high fuel conversion efficiency.