A Comparative Evaluation on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (Sofc): Theoretical Review |

ABSTRACT:

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising alternativeenergy source, with its advantages of high operating efficiency, fuelflexibility, low emissions and relatively low cost. However, there are severalchallenges concerning the SOFC research. Little is known about the complexinterfacial electrochemistry and thermochemistry, and it is also difficult todiagnose problems and optimize cell performance. Therefore, physics-basedmodels are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of SOFCs. The generation of energy by clean, efficient andenvironmental-friendly means is now one of the major challenges for engineersand scientists. Fuel cells convert chemical energy of a fuel gas directly intoelectrical work, and are efficient and environmentally clean, since nocombustion is required. Moreover, fuel cells have the potential for developmentto a sufficient size for applications for commercial electricity generation.This paper outlines the acute global population growth and the growing need anduse of energy and its consequent environmental impacts. The existing oremerging fuel cells’ technologies are comprehensively discussed in this paper.In particular, attention is given to the design and operation of Solid OxideFuel Cells (SOFCs), noting the restrictions based on materials’ requirementsand fuel specifications. Moreover, advantages of SOFCs with respect to theother fuel cell technologies are identified. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have the promise toimprove energy efficiency and to provide society with a clean energy producingtechnology. The high temperature of operation (500-1000 0C) enables thesolid oxide fuel cell to operate with existing fossil fuels and to beefficiently coupled with turbines to give very high efficiency conversion offuels to electricity. Solid oxide fuel cells are complex electrochemicaldevices that contain three basic components, a porous anode, an electrolytemembrane, and a porous cathode.