Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) possess distinct advantages over hydrogen-based fuel cells, including higher efficiency, higher operating temperature, and operation under hydrocarbon fuel streams. While SOFCs can provide efficient power generation on hydrocarbon fuels, some level of fuel reforming is generally necessary to prevent deposit formation and catalyst deactivation within the SOFC anode structure. Unfortunately, fuel reforming results in an increase in overall system complexity, cost, and efficiency. However, significant fuel reforming can be accomplished internal to the SOFC anode, limiting the need for reforming. Through this study, internal reforming is under investigation through detailed measurements of SOFC gas composition under varying anode architectures, with a focus on understanding the operating windows for deposit-free internal reforming, and the role of anode architecture and materials in the reforming process.

Colorado School of Mines: Profs. , Terrance Parker, Timothy Ohno, and