Development of TMI Logistic Fuel Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) for Military Auxiliary Power (Generation) Unit (APU)

摘要

A stand-alone interim program was proposed by Technology Management, Inc. (TMI), to characterize the state-of-the- art TMI solid oxide fuel cell single cell design and materials under a range of syngas sulfur levels up to those found in reformed JP-8 (0.3 wt% sulfur) over a range of operating conditions. The results of this interim program were inconclusive because of contamination introduced into the testing equipment, which was not uncovered until late in the study. Specifically, trace contaminants, not identified in the manufacture's specifications, in the premixed syngas mixture were found to react with the gaseous hydrogen sulfur prior to introduction to the cell. Together, these reactants produced a solid product wherever the temperature was elevated causing blockages that formed random deposits in regions of the fuel delivery manifold. These reaction products resulted in inaccurate measurement and/or delivery of syngas to the cells. Inaccurate fuel flow rates compromised test interpretation and data analysis. TMI was able to reaffirm sulfur tolerance in some tests but was unable to accumulate the definitive test data sought during this short six-month interim program.