Numerical modeling of SOFCs operating on biogas from biodigesters

In this study, numerical predictions of SOFCs performance operating on biogas are performed in order to evaluate the potential use of biogas produced from different organic sources processed in biodigesters as the fuel for SOFCs. The SOFC performance is predicted numerically by using a fully three-dimensional non-commercial CFD code called DREAM-SOFC. The analysis mainly focuses on the effect of biogas composition on the fuel cell performance. Different biogas compositions are used as the fuel supplied to the SOFC and the concentration of the species in the biogas are those measured by means of a gas chromatography system of the biogas produced in biodigesters installed at University of Guanajuato. Particularly, the biogas produced from water lily and cactus was evaluated as potential fuel for SOFCs. It was observed that the SOFC performance is higher when biogas from water lily is supplied to the SOFC when compared with biogas from cactus.

► Biogas produced from water lily and cactus.
► Biogas is used as fuel in a SOFC.
► Simultaneous electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
► Chemical kinetics considering steam methane reforming reaction and water gas-shift reaction.
► The use of biogas from water lily and cactus provides a better performance than 30% pre-reformed methane.