Investigation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Coupled to a Tri-reforming Process.

This study deals with an investigation of the performance of a biogas-fed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) operating in combination with an external tri-reforming system. The tri-reforming process is carried out using a ceria supported Ni catalyst (1.75 wt % Ni / CeO2), prepared by combustion synthesis. The catalytic tests were carried out at 800 degrees C with fixed CH4/CO2 molar ratio. Different O-2/CH4 and H2O/CH4 molar ratios are investigated to evaluate the influence of different feed compositions on the performance of the integrated SOFC and tri-reforming system. The SOFC appears to tolerate different percentages of CO, CH4 and CO2 in the reformate stream without the need of steam addition. Results indicate that the process based on the combination of biogas tri-reforming and SOFC, is promising for application in small and medium sized stationary power systems.