Experimental Evaluation of SOFC System Exposed to Marine Inclination Conditions

Marine actors are showing an increased interest in the application of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for deep sea shipping, because of their high conversion efficiency, low pollutant emissions, and fuel flexibility. However, it is unknown how the operation of SOFC systems is affected by large inclinations and motions, which can be present in...

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Marine Applications

The marine industry must reduce emissions to comply with recent and future regulations. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are seen as a promising option for efficient power generation on ships with reduced emissions. However, it is unclear how the devices can be integrated and how this affects the operation of the ship economically and...

Experimental evaluation of a solid oxide fuel cell system exposed to inclinations and accelerations by ship motions

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems have the potential to reduce emissions from seagoing vessels. However, it is unknown whether ship motions influence the system's operation. In this research, a 1.5 kW SOFC module is operated on an inclination platform that emulates ship motions, to evaluate the influence of static and dynamic inclinations...

The effects of fuel type and cathode off-gas recirculation on combined heat and power generation of marine SOFC systems

An increasing demand in the marine industry to reduce emissions led to investigations into more efficient power conversion using fuels with sustainable production pathways. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are under consideration for long-range shipping, because of its high efficiency, low pollutant emissions, and fuel flexibility. SOFC systems...

Comparative analysis of alternative fuels for marine SOFC systems

To continue its operations, the marine industry needs to comply with emission regulations. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are considered a promising solution, since it can generate energy athigh efficiency and low NOX, SOX and particulate matter emissions. Another advantage of SOFCsis fuel flexibility, meaning several fuels can be applied in...

Fuel cells systems for sustainable ships

As shipping is setting sail for a sustainable future, the application of fuel cells is increasingly regarded as a promising technology to reduce or fully eliminate emissions. Fuel cells convert the chemical energy in fuels directly into electricity, achieving high efficiencies while emitting no hazardous compounds and producing little noise...

Integration of solid oxide fuel cell and internal combustion engine for maritime applications

The current literature on solid oxide fuel cell and internal combustion engine (SOFC-ICE) integration is focused on the application of advanced combustion technologies operating as bottoming cycles to generate a small load share. This integration approach can pose challenges for ships such as restricted dynamic capabilities and large space...

A comparison of steam reforming concepts in solid oxide fuel cell systems

Various concepts have been proposed to use hydrocarbon fuels in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems. A combination of either allothermal or adiabatic pre-reforming and water recirculation (WR) or anode off-gas recirculation (AOGR) is commonly used to convert the fuel into a hydrogen rich mixture before it is electrochemically oxidised in the...

Dynamic modelling of a direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell stack based on single cell experiments

Direct internal reforming enables optimal heat integration and reduced complexity in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)systems, but thermal stresses induced by the increased temperature gradients may inflict damage to the stack. Therefore, the development of adequate control strategies requires models that can accurately predict the temperature...

Intrinsic methane steam reforming kinetics on nickel-ceria solid oxide fuel cell anodes

Direct internal reforming in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is advantageous as it enables to heat and steam from the exothermic hydrogen oxidation reaction in the endothermic steam reforming reaction. However, it may increase potentially deteriorating temperature gradients as well. The temperature and concentration profiles can be accurately...

A review of fuel cell systems for maritime applications

Progressing limits on pollutant emissions oblige ship owners to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Fuel cells may provide a suitable solution, since they are fuel efficient while they emit few hazardous compounds. Various choices can be made with regard to the type of fuel cell system and logistic fuel, and it is unclear...