Modelling and Process Simulation of Indirect Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Fueled by Glycerol

This work applied Aspen Plus V9 simulator to study the performance of indirect internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fueled by glycerol. The optimal operating conditions of the SOFC that can provide the maximum SOFC efficiency or the maximum syngas production were examined. This information can be a guideline for an SOFC operation in which wider range of operating conditions can be adjusted, depending on the target of use. If the maximum efficiency is required, an SOFC should be operated at fuel utilization of 0.85, SOFC temperature of 800-900 degrees C and S/G molar ratio of 1. Under these operating conditions, the IIR-SOFC had an electrical efficiency between 63% and 67%. Considering the maximum syngas production, it was found that the anode exhaust gas consisting of 78% H-2 and 22% CO can be obtained at fuel utilization of 0.1, SOFC temperature of 700 degrees C and S/G molar ratio of 5. In addition, the results indicated that the S/G ratio is a main parameter used for adjusting the H-2/CO ratio in the syngas.