Model-based prediction of suitable operating range of a SOFC for an Auxiliary Power Unit

This paper presents a one-dimensional steady state model of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to be used in an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). The fuel cell is fed a prereformed gas from an external autothermic reformer. In addition to the three electrochemical reactions (reduction of oxygen at the cathode, oxidation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide at the anode) the water-gas shift reaction and the methane steam reforming reaction are taken into account in the anode channel. The model predicts concentrations and temperatures and uses an equivalent circuit approach to describe the current-voltage characteristics of the cell. The model equations are presented and their implementation into the commercial mathematical software FEMLAB is discussed. An application of this model is used to determine suitable operating parameters with respect to optimum performance and allowable temperature.