CHAPTER 1. Introduction to Stationary Fuel Cells

In this chapter, fuel cells, particularly solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), are introduced in detail. The main reactions, benefits, challenges, and application examples of low and high temperature fuel cells are discussed and compared. SOFCs are also classified according to their temperature levels, cell and stack designs, support types, flow configurations, and fuel reforming types. The advantages and disadvantages of each SOFC type are explained. The fuel options of SOFC such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, higher hydrocarbons (e.g. butane), methanol, ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, biogas, and syngas are discussed. The main components and operation principles of two integrated SOFC systems, namely integrated SOFC and gas turbine system and integrated SOFC and gasification system, are furthermore discussed. In addition, the development of a zero-dimensional SOFC model, and a 2D and transient heat transfer model is given. The application of the SOFC model to a case study in which a conventional biomass fueled power production system is compared with an integrated biomass gasification and SOFC system in terms of efficiency and environmental impact is then shown. In this case study, energy and exergy efficiencies, and specific greenhouse gas emissions are determined for performance and greenhouse gas emission comparisons, respectively.