An Experimental Investigation into the Performance of a Novel-Integrated Afterburner-Reformer in a 1 kw Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System

Abstract

In traditional Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems, the anode and cathode off-gases are combusted in an afterburner and the flue gas is then used to provide the thermal energy required for hydrogen reforming. However, significant heat losses occur in the piping between the afterburner and the reformer, and thus the overall efficiency of the SOFC system is reduced. Accordingly, the present study proposes a novel-integrated afterburner-reformer, which not only improves the system efficiency, but also reduces the required afterburner operating temperature. The experimental results show that the combined H₂ and CO content of the reformate gas is approximately 80%. In other words, the reforming performance of the proposed afterburner-reformer is comparable with that of a conventional electrically-heated reformer.

Keywords:

• Solid oxide fuel cell
• afterburner
• reformer
• micro-combined heat and power system