Designing graded catalytic domain to homogenize temperature distribution while dry reforming of CH4

While utilizing biogas in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems equipped with either internal or external catalytic domain possessing a uniform catalytic activity, the rate of the reforming reaction significantly changes along the flow field due to the rapid conversion of the methane in the inlet region. Thus, a dramatic temperature variation develops along the flow field, resulting in thermal stress on the adjacent components. To mitigate the temperature variation, design of a catalytic domain graded in terms of the catalyst loading along the flow field is a promising solution, for which herein we present a strategy based on numerical modeling and in situ temperature measurement along the reformer. We design a graded catalytic domain for a uniform temperature distribution and demonstrate it experimentally, aiming the efficient use of biogas in SOFC systems.