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2009
Conference Paper
Titel
Ethanol in simple SOFC systems
Alternative
Ethanol in einfachen Festoxidbrennstoffzellsystemen
Abstract
Ethanol is well suited as an energy carrier for fuel cells as it has a high energy density; it is non toxic and simple to transport and store. If used in SOFCs, one major task is to produce synthesis gas from it with a high percentage of H2 and CO. Dry partial oxidation (POX) is the simplest reforming principle for SOFCs. Thermodynamic calculations showed that simple SOFC setups should be possible with an ethanol POX reformer. Thermodynamic equilibria of ethanol partial oxidation were calculated with respect to coke formation. It has been shown that with air ratios above X = 0.28 Volume-% and 96 Volume-% ethanol/4 Volume-% water sooting does not occur for temperatures above 700 deg C. Currently, the most important task is to identify effective catalysts for the partial oxidation of ethanol. Experiments with low cost base metals like nickel on aluminium oxide showed great promise for ethanol conversion.