Experimental analysis of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell fed by hydrogen

This paper analyzes the thermodynamic and electrochemical performance of an anode supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fed by hydrogen. The micro-tubular SOFC used is anode supported, consisting of a NiO and Gd_0.2Ce_0.8O_2−x (GDC) cermet anode, thin GDC electrolyte, and a La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−y (LSCF) and GDC cermet cathode. The fabrication of the cells under investigation are described, and an analysis of the different procedures with emphasis of the innovations with respect to traditional techniques. Such micro-tubular cells were tested using a test stand consisting of: a vertical tubular furnace, an electrical load, a galvanostast, gas pipelines, temperature, pressure and flow meters. The tests on the micro-SOFC were performed using hydrogen, to determine the cell polarization. A parametric study is also presented with the scope to analyze the variations of the thermodynamic and electrochemical performances of the cell in function of its operating temperature and fuel flow.