Solid Oxide Fuel Cells - Article Example

Solid oxide fuel cells 1.0 Abstract Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are energy efficient, fuel flexible and low population energy source. Their operation is based on the electrochemical conversion of chemical energy of fuels e.g. Hydrogen, hydrocarbons, methanol, ethanol and others into electrical energy-electricity. Conventional SOFC operated at high temperatures of between 800-10000C so as to enable ionic conductivity. Currently studies are being undertaken to develop intermediate temperature SOFCs or IT-SOFCs. The performance of SOFC is highly dependent on the microstructure of the components of the SOFC. Therefore all research focuses on component properties that will enhance efficiency of SOFCs. 2.0 Introduction Clean, Secure and sustainable energy sources, these terms often come up whenever energy production methods are considered. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that directly converts chemical energy of fuels (H, methanol, ethanol, hydrocarbons) into electrical energy-electricity. Fuel cells are efficient, less pollutant power generating technologies. Fuel cells are versatile ranging from alkaline cells and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) that function at low temperatures Read More