Abstract
A thermodynamic analysis has been performed to compare the theoretical performance of ammonia fed solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based on proton-conducting electrolyte (SOFC-H) and oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte (SOFC-O). It is found that the ammonia fed SOFC-H is superior to SOFC-O in terms of theoretical maximum efficiency. For example, at a fuel utilization of 80% and an oxygen utilization of 20%, the efficiency of ammonia fed SOFC-H is 11% higher than that of SOFC-O. The difference between SOFC-H and SOFC-O becomes more significant at higher fuel utilizations and higher temperatures. This is because an SOFC-H has a higher hydrogen partial pressure and a lower steam partial pressure than an SOFC-O. In addition, an increase in oxygen utilization is found to increase the efficiency of ammonia fed SOFCs due to an increase in oxygen molar fraction and a reduction in steam molar fraction. With further development of new ceramics with high proton conductivity and effective fabrication of thin film electrolyte, the SOFC based on proton-conducting electrolyte is expected to be a promising approach to convert ammonia fuel into electricity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 682-686 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Power Sources |
Volume | 183 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Ammonia fuel
- Electrochemical thermodynamics
- Electrolyte
- Proton-conducting ceramics
- Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering