Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology: Principles, Performance and Operations

High temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is a promising power generation option that features high electrical efficiency and low emissions of environmentally polluting gases, such as CO2, Nox, and Sox. The technology is ideal for distributed stationary power generation applications where both high efficiency electricity and high quality heat are in strong demand. For the past few decades, SOFC technology has attracted intense worldwide R&D effort and, along with polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, has undergone extensive commercialization development. This systematic, in-depth book provides comprehensive theoretical analysis and innovative characterization techniques for SOFC technology. It first deals with the basics and development of SOFC technology, from cell materials to fundamental thermodynamics, electronic properties of solids, and charged particle transport. Coverage includes a thorough analysis of such operational features as current flow and energy balance as well as voltage losses and electrical efficiency. Chapters on performance characterization, fuel processing, and electrode poisoning cover the important issues of fuel cell stability and durability. The text concludes with a review for SOFC materials and fabrication techniques.