Solar powered solid oxide fuel cell with thermoelectric generator
by Stephen Airewe Adavbiele
International Journal of Critical Infrastructures (IJCIS), Vol. 10, No. 2, 2014

Abstract: Durable, location independent, environmental-friendly sources of energy which allow for modular, few moving parts, low operating noise, high electricity generation efficiency and compact technology are highly desirable. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising for such energy system development, since they are energy efficient and, if pure hydrogen is used, have virtually no emissions of greenhouse gases except water and heat. However, the technology is still in the early phases of development due to lack of a design for single hydrogen fuel cells, and problems with hydrogen production and storage. In this study, an all year round operation home generator recovering its waste heat, integrated with photovoltaic panels supplying energy to split recyclable water (electrolysis) into hydrogen and oxygen has been put in place. The mathematical models of the unit as energy, charge, efficiency, activation and concentration losses of gases in channels were elaborated. The models gave necessary information for assessing and optimising the design. The experimental results have demonstrated a remarkable energy generation and recovering with the integrated system, lower noise, possibility of achieving hydrogen economy and therefore clean environment.

Online publication date: Tue, 29-Jul-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Critical Infrastructures (IJCIS):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com