It is known that the working temperature for a classical SOFc is 800-1000C. What is not clear for me how the powering up of the cell (i e initial heating to such high temperature) takes place
I know that the most common heat-up strategies are by a furnace or by hot air. But this initial heating seems to require a high energy consumption. In a car for example, what is the reservoir able to warm up the cell to such temperature? Do you know any papers on this?
Thank you
You are quite right in pointing out one of several deadly problems with high temperature fuel cells. In addition to the need for initial heating, the insurmountable disadvantages of this concept also include the use of hydrogen, explosion and fire hazard, the complexity and unreliability of the design, and an extremely high price.
High temperature fuel cells SOFC are practically unsuitable as a source of electricity for vehicles and are being promoted mainly as a stationary independent source of heat and electricity in small homes. Unfortunately, in this single application, the prospects for high-temperature fuel cells leave much to be desired.
We did in the late 1990s some studies on SOFC systems with microtubes. Planar SOFC have not been a real option because the main problems are the thermomechanical stresses during a fast stat-up. We did these studies including some design drafts in combination with micro-turbines and did also a small study with Stirling engines. From todays' view the last one might be the better option for scaling reasons. This design has the principle benefit that the heating system can be integrated in the thermal part. Because a heat recovery is needed anyway the losses can be kept comparable low. You find some info here:
Article Differences and Synergies between Mobile and Stationary SOFC...
Article The Design of Stationary and Mobile Solid Oxide Fuel Cell–Ga...
Best wishes
Wolfgang Winkler
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