Results Using Processed Acetylene Fuel Stream in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack

Abstract

Preliminary results indicate that acetylene and hydrogen peroxide are viable reactants for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. Acetylene was hydrogenated and reformed to a suitable feed at the anode while hydrogen peroxide was decomposed to provide oxygen to the cathode. Roughly 45% fuel and oxidant utilization were demonstrated on a SOFC stack manufactured by Delphi Corporation (Troy, MI). These reactants offer high energy storage as well as an entirely self-contained power system with no exhaust streams. Such attributes are favorable for undersea vehicles and perhaps other applications that require a self-contained or air-independent power system.