Towards highly efficient solid oxide fuel cells. Effect of the operation mode

摘要

Fuel cells are called to be a key contributor for a more environmental-friendly energy generation in the near future. Their superior efficiency in terms of chemical-to-electrical energy conversion in comparison with conventional energy production resources due to the thermodynamic advantages makes them very interesting systems in many applications from large scale to portable. In the latter case, APU's are a promising early market for fuel cell technologies due to their high efficiency, lightweight, high energy produced/pollution generated ratio and high volumetric power density. In this sense, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), classically out of transport sector, has burst into the market due to the excellent thermal shock and mechanical resistance shown by the Micro-Tubular SOFCs, many orders of magnitude larger than their planar counterparts [1].