Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology

High temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is a promising power generation option that features high electrical efficiency and low emissions of environmentally polluting gases such as CO2, NOox and SOx. It is ideal for distributed stationary power generation applications where both high-efficiency electricity and high-quality heat are in strong demand. For the past few decades, SOFC technology has attracted intense worldwide R&D effort and, along with polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, has undergone extensive commercialization development. This book presents a systematic and in-depth narrative of the technology from the perspective of fundamentals, providing comprehensive theoretical analysis and innovative characterization techniques for SOFC technology. The book initially deals with the basics and development of SOFC technology from cell materials to fundamental thermodynamics, electronic properties of solids and charged particle transport. This coverage is extended with a thorough analysis of such operational features as current flow and energy balance, and on to voltage losses and electrical efficiency. Furthermore, the book also covers the important issues of fuel cell stability and durability with chapters on performance characterization, fuel processing, and electrode poisoning. Finally, the book provides a comprehensive review for SOFC materials and fabrication techniques. A series of useful scientific appendices rounds off the book. Solid oxide fuel cell technology is a standard reference for all those researching this important field as well as those working in the power industry. Provides a comprehensive review of solid oxide fuel cells from history and design to chemistry and materials development Presents analysis of operational features including current flow, energy balance, voltage losses and electrical efficiency Explores fuel cell stability and durability with specific chapters examining performance characterization, fuel processing and electrode poisoning

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.

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

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.

Fuel cells are a very promising technology for the clean and efficient production of power. Fuel Cell Technology is an up-to-date survey of the development of this technology and will be bought by researchers and graduate students in materials control and chemical engineering working at universities and institutions and researchers and technical managers in commercial companies working in fuel cell technology.

Ceramic fuel cells, commonly known as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), have been under development for a broad range of electric power generation applications. The most attractive feature of the SOFC is its clean and efficient production of electricity from a variety of fuels. The SOFC has the potential to be manufactured and operated cost-effectively. The widening interest in this technology, thus, arises from the continuing need to develop cleaner and more efficient means of converting energy sources into useful forms. This topical book provides a comprehensive treatise on solid oxide fuel cells and succeeds successfully in filling the gap in the market for a reference book in this field. Directed towards scientists, engineers, and technical managers working with SOFCs as well as ceramic devices based on conducting materials, and in related fields, the book will also be invaluable as a textbook for science and engineering courses.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Lifetime and Reliability: Critical Challenges in Fuel Cells presents in one volume the most recent research that aims at solving key issues for the deployment of SOFC at a commercial scale and for a wider range of applications. To achieve that, authors from different regions and backgrounds address topics such as electrolytes, contaminants, redox cycling, gas-tight seals, and electrode microstructure. Lifetime issues for particular elements of the fuel cells, like cathodes, interconnects, and fuel processors, are covered as well as new materials. They also examine the balance of SOFC plants, correlations between structure and electrochemical performance, methods for analysis of performance and degradation assessment, and computational and statistical approaches to quantify degradation. For its holistic approach, this book can be used both as an introduction to these issues and a reference resource for all involved in research and application of solid oxide fuel cells, especially those developing understanding in industrial applications of the lifetime issues. This includes researchers in academia and industrial R&D, graduate students and professionals in energy engineering, electrochemistry, and materials sciences for energy applications. It might also be of particular interest to analysts who are looking into integrating SOFCs into energy systems. Brings together in a single volume leading research and expert thinking around the broad topic of SOFC lifetime and durability Explores issues that affect solid oxide fuel cells elements, materials, and systems with a holistic approach Provides a practical reference for overcoming some of the common failure mechanisms of SOFCs Features coverage of integrating SOFCs into energy systems

Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Electrolytes, Electrodes and Interconnects introduces the fundamental principles of intermediate solid oxide fuel cells technology. It provides the reader with a broad understanding and practical knowledge of the electrodes, pyrochlore/perovskite/oxide electrolytes and interconnects which form the backbone of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) unit. Opening with an introduction to the thermodynamics, physiochemical and electrochemical behavior of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), the book also discusses specific materials, including low temperature brownmillerites and aurivillius electrolytes, as well as pyrochlore interconnects. This book analyzes the basic concepts, providing cutting-edge information for both researchers and students. It is a complete reference for Intermediate Solid Oxide Fuel Cells technology that will be a vital resource for those working in materials science, fuel cells and solid state chemistry. Provides a single source of information on glass, electrolytes, interconnects, vanadates, pyrochlores and perovskite SOFC Includes illustrations that provide a clear visual explanation of concepts being discussed Progresses from a discussion of basic concepts that will enable readers to easily comprehend the subject matter