Parametric study of SOFC system efficiency under operation conditions of butane reformer

Abstract

In this study, the efficiency of a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system with a steam reformer or prereformer was analyzed under various conditions. The main components of the system are the reformer, SOFC, and water boiling heat recovery system. Endothermic and exothermic reactions occur in the reformer and SOFC, respectively. Hence, the thermal management of the SOFC system greatly influences the SOFC system efficiency. First, the efficiencies of SOFC systems with a steam reformer and a prereformer are compared. The system with the prereformer was more efficient than the one with steam reformer due to less heat loss. Second, the system efficiencies under various prereformer operating conditions were analyzed. The system efficiency was a fonction of the heat requirement of the system. The efficiency increased with an increase in the operating temperature of the prereformer, and the maximum system efficiency was observed at 450°C for a S/C of 2.0.