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This paper presents research on the impact of the material microstructure on the performance of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC). The study is motivated by the need to increase the operation time of MCFC stacks. As the MCFC stacks are mainly composed of porous materials, the paper shows the impact of the porosity on both fuel cell performance and degradation rate. The study is based on the mathematical model, validated through experiments with varying microstructure parameters, achieving an overall relative error of 8%. The study evaluated the performance of MCFC using anodes with different porosity and found that increasing anode porosity from 40% to 70% led to a nearly two-fold increase in maximum power density. However, from both the degradation test and polarization curves, the optimal level of porosity for the anode is around 55%. The porosity level at 55% ensures the highest catalytic surface of the electrodes and is a compromise between the mechanical properties of the electrode and its electrochemical properties. • New approach of 0D model of MCFC including materials microstructure influence is proposed. • The new model is prepared in MS Excel and Aspen HYSYS environments. • Experimental investigation for materials with predefined microstructire parameters was performed for model validation. • Variant analysis is presented for different porosity, tortuosity and constrictivity of MCFC anode. • An optimal scenario is suggested based on modleing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to examine the performance of molten carbonate fuel cell, which is supplied with a raw bioethanol, i.e. bioethanol which origins directly from fruit fermentation, without pre-treatment of fermentation products. The composition of raw bioethanol was precisely determined and then the impact of raw bioethanol on the degradation of molten carbonate fuel cells was examined. Steam to carbon ratio of the biofuel has been determined as 5.7 (in comparison to stoichiometry of reaction) which allowed for estimation of hydrogen production during steam reforming process taking place in the anode channel. The results in the form of current-voltage curve was obtained and compared with the same fuel cell fed with pure hydrogen, while the amount of hydrogen was defined as identical with the one after steam reforming of biofuel taking place in the nickel anode channel. Relevant literature studies were focused on the purified fuel or examination of the impact of individual components. Our study proved carbon deposition is not a problem, however solid particles contamination in fermentation product makes it impossible to use fuel cell fueled with fermentation product for longer periods, and prior to supplying fuel cell the bioethanol purification is required. A raw biofuel with its impurities did not have any impact on the anode and current collector surface from physical point of view, but Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy analysis shows visible increase of ohmic loses. • Homemade first generation bioethanol composition have been examined. • Manufactured bioethanol has been delivered directly to the MCFC anode without purification. • Performance of MCFC fueled with impure bioethanol has been investigated. • Effect of steam reforming for hydrogen generation and steam to carbon ratio were evaluated. • Pollution on the anode after cell operation was investigated with SEM and EIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the environmental and economic impacts of implementing fuel cell and battery-based hybrid configurations. Phosphoric acid and molten carbonate fuel cell systems in the place of diesel generators of a large tanker to supply the vessel's total electricity demand. Environmental and economic analyses of the utilization of the specified fuel cell systems with LiNiCoALO 2 and LiNiMnCoO 2 chemical types of battery cells on a large marine vessel are provided in this paper. In addition, the assessment of the most suitable battery cell and charge-discharge hours for fuel cell systems is carried out with a grid-search algorithm. Six different fuel cell and battery configurations are investigated to obtain the optimum system layout. The results show that the CO 2 emissions could be reduced by up to 49.75% and the lowest electricity production cost is found as 0.181 $/kWh for the current fuel prices with the utilization of molten carbonate fuel cells and LiNiMnCoO 2 battery cells. • Performance comparison between PAFC and MCFC was performed. • Lowest electricity production cost was obtained 0.181 $/kWh. • CO 2 emission of the marine vessel decreased by 49.75%. • MCFC and LiNiMnCoO 2 battery were best option among other cases studied. • Fuel cell-battery hybrid system could reduce fuel consumption by 25.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal management is essential for high-temperature molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) because the accumulated waste heat may degrade the durability. In this paper, looped multi-stage thermoacoustically-driven cryocooler (LMTC) is proposed to reuse the waste heat from MCFC for cooling production, which not only can tackle with the thermal management issue but also can provide additional usages. Accounting various irreversible dissipation, the models of MCFC, LMTC and MCFC-LMTC hybrid system are analytically formulated. Performance features of MCFC-LMTC hybrid system are revealed and the advantages are expounded via calculation examples. Calculations indicate that the maximum power density and corresponding efficiency of the hybrid system are 1688.9 W m−2 and 39.7%, which are 11.4% and 1.3% bigger than that of the sole MCFC system, respectively. By comparing with other available systems, the superiority of using LMTC to recover MCFC waste heat for refrigeration is clearly demonstrated. Considerable parametric studies show that the heat-transfer coefficient of hot heat exchange for LMTC is not suggested to be greater than 2.5 × 10−3 W m−2 K−1. In addition, an increase in the working temperature, working pressure of MCFC, reactant concentration or engine stage number of LMTC positively benefits the hybrid system performance, while an increase in the thermodynamic loss coefficient worsens the hybrid system performance. The obtained results may offer new insights into improving the performance of MCFCs through thermal management approaches. [Display omitted] • An MCFC/LMTC hybrid system model is built for electricity and cooling cogeneration. • Models of both MCFC and LMTC are well described. • Key performance indicators for evaluating the hybrid system are formulated. • Performance features of this kind of hybrid system are revealed. • Effects of decisive variables on the hybrid system performance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel syngas-fed combined cogeneration plant, integrating a biomass gasifier, a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) unit, a Stirling engine, and an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), is introduced and thermodynamically analyzed to recognize its potentials compared to the previous solo/combined systems. For the proposed system, energetic, exergetic as well as environmental evaluations are performed. Based on the results, the gasifier and the fuel cell have a significant contribution to the exergy destruction of the system. Through a parametric study, the current density and the stack temperature difference are known as the main effective factors on the plant performance. Meanwhile, dividing the whole system into three sub-models, i.e., model (1): power production plant including the gasifier and MCFC without including Stirling engine, HRSG, and ORC unit, model (2): the cogeneration system without ORC unit, and model (3): the whole cogeneration system, an environmental impact assessment is carried out regarding CO 2 emission. Considering paper as biomass revealed that maximum value of exergy efficiency is 50.18% with CO 2 emissions of 28.9 × 10−2 t.MWh−1 which compared to the solo MCFC system indicates 28.40% increase and 13.3 × 10−2 t.MWh−1 decrease in exergy efficiency and CO 2 emission, respectively. Image 1 • The 3E analyses of a CHP plant based on biomass gasifier and MCFC are performed. • The waste heat of the biomass-fueled MCFC system is recovered by HRSG, Stirling engine, and ORC. • The system yields an exergy efficiency of 50.18% with a CO 2 emission of 0.289 t/MWh. • The gasifier and fuel cell have the highest rates of exergy destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridized engines have become the focus of research nowadays in order to update the existing engines in different transportation sectors. This paper presents a hybridized aircraft engine consisting of a molten carbonate fuel cell system and a commercial turbofan system. The MCFC units are connected to a steam reforming and a water gas shift system. Also, five clean fuels are selected, such as dimethyl ether, hydrogen, ethanol, methane, and methanol, which are combined with different mass ratios to form five different fuel blends. The hybridized aircraft is investigated using three approaches: exergy analysis, exergoeconomic analysis, and exergoenvironmental analysis. It is found that the proposed engine has an average exergetic efficiency of 88% and an average exergy destruction ratio of 12%. The specific exergetic cost of electricity of the engine has an average value of 710 $/GJ for the high-pressure turbine and 230$/GJ for the intermediate and low-pressure turbines, as well as 50 $/GJ for the MCFC. The average specific exergoenvironmental impact of electricity is 14 mPt/MJ for turbines and 4 mPt/MJ for the MCFC. In addition, a blend of ethanol and hydrogen appears to be a viable option economically and environmentally. [Display omitted] • Five alternative fuels are chosen with different concentrations. • Hybridized MCFC-aircraft has 86%–89% high exergetic efficiency. • Hybridized MCFC-aircraft engine has 15% exergy destruction ratio. • The total annual levelized investment of the hybridized system is 76 k $/h. • The total component-related environmental impact rate is less than 40 mPt/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, fabrication, characterization and modeling techniques are combined to analyze the microstructure of tape-cast open-porous materials. This kind of material is highly permeable to gases and at the same time has a high catalytic reactivity which leads to successful applications e.g. in high-temperature fuel cells. However, the microstructure of such material is complex and not fully understood. The main goal of this paper is to provide a realistic model of tape-cast porous microstructures based on the simulation of their fabrication process. In order to accomplish this, four different samples are fabricated by firing the green tapes obtained by the tape casting process. The microstructure of each sample is analyzed by means of micro-tomographic image data. Furthermore, a method for modeling open-porous 3D microstructures is proposed, where the cast slurry is represented by a system of spheres with a given volume fraction and radius distribution. Model-based post-processing of the simulated microstructures is proposed to improve the fit of the surface area. Finally, model validation is performed by means of a detailed statistical analysis of experimentally produced and virtual microstructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Performances of molten carbonate fuel cell with ammonia as fuel are studied. • The optimal operating temperature for cell using ammonia as fuel is 680 °C. • The lower H 2 proportion in fuel mixture, the better the cell performance. • Ammonia as fuel has little effect on the electrodes' loose and porous structure. Hydrogen fuel cells can generate clean and efficient energy, and ammonia as a hydrogen carrier contains more hydrogen in its molecule than hydrogen itself. Utilizing green ammonia as fuel for fuel cells can reduce dependency on fossil fuels. However, there has been less study on the electrochemical performance of ammonia molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Hence, this paper sets up a single MCFC experimental bench to conduct research on direct ammonia molten carbonate fuel cells. The electrochemical performance of a direct ammonia MCFC is investigated in terms of key parameters such as temperature and the volume flow ratio of NH 3 /H 2 entering the anode. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is employed to study the electrodes of the MCFC. Experimental findings demonstrate that the direct ammonia MCFC performs optimally at 680 °C with a current density of 0.059 A/cm2 and an ammonia conversion rate up to 91.6%. When the mixture gas of NH 3 and H 2 is used as the cell fuel, the current density (0.057 A/cm2) and the conversion rate of NH 3 (84.9%) are higher when the volume flow ratio of NH 3 /H 2 is 9, indicating that the increase of H 2 proportion in the mixed gas will affect the conversion of NH 3. SEM image analysis of the MCFC electrodes post-experiments reveals that ammonia does not destruct the loose and porous structure of MCFC electrodes, affirming that NH 3 can be directly used as the MCFC fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the performance analysis of the process consisting of the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), parabolic dish collector (PDC), linear Fresnel reflector (LFR), Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and the gas turbine, with the carbon dioxide separation process. In proposed novel process, the MCFC waste heat is used to generate additional electricity in the ORC. In addition, a gas turbine embedded in the process also generates electricity. This hybrid system also uses two concentrating solar collectors, i.e. LFR and PDC. The former raises the water temperature b7efore mixing with fuel and the latter raises the temperature of the mixture (water and fuel) before entering the reformer. Furthermore, in present study the performance of parabolic trough collector is investigated, assuming it provides the required duty of evaporator of ORC. Finally, the present study examines the process of carbon dioxide separation. The results revealed that, overall, electrical and exergy efficiency of the hybrid cycle is 58.02 %, 44.2 % and 74.9 %, respectively. Furthermore, the total exergy destruction rate and removal efficiency of the system are 13.67 MW and 78.9 %, respectively. In addition, about 35 collectors of LFR and 55 collectors of PDC are needed to supply the required duty of solar thermal collectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Electrical and overall exergy efficiencies of the power plant are 37.68%, 71.29%. • Effect fuel and oxidant flow rate, outlet turbine and control valves are analyzed. • Parabolic trough solar collector is used for supplying a portion the thermal load. • Molten carbonate fuel cell is used in the hybrid energy system. Abstract In this paper, a combined heating and power plant consisting of molten carbonate fuel cell and parabolic trough solar collector with the carbon dioxide capturing process is investigated. Electrochemical model of the fuel cell and numerical modeling of the solar system is done using MATLAB software and thermodynamic model of the power plant is done by HYSYS software. In this plant, solar system is used as a heat exchanger with a capacity of 10.4 MW. The gas turbine and molten carbonate fuel cell are able to produce 640 MW and 81 MW of electrical power, respectively. The results show that, the electrical, overall and exergy efficiencies of the power plant are 37.68%, 71.29% and 45.13%, respectively. Also, total exergy destruction of the process and carbon capture ratio are 346029 kW and 91%, respectively. The impacts of other parameters such as fuel and oxidant flow rate, outlet pressure of the turbine, air compressor and control valves and capacity of the solar farm on the performance of the process are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work has the difficult task to deeply study the electrochemical processes that occur inside a 100 cm2 of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) impedance spectra using the high resolution of Distribution of Relaxation Time (DRT) method. Using this method, it is possible to shed light on the different physicochemical processes occurring within these cells, identifying the characteristic relaxation times by means of an appropriate experimental campaign where temperature and gas compositions in anode and cathode were varied one at a time. The quality of the recorded spectra was verified by Kramers-Kronig relation before applying DRT calculations. In this work, five distinct and separated peaks with different time constants ranging from 0.01 to 500 Hz were identified and associated with physiochemical processes of the cell. Three peaks at high frequency represent the charge transfer processes in anode and cathode active sites. The other two, located at low frequency, are associated with the gas diffusion in the electrodes and to the gas conversion process. This study represents the first application of the DRT approach to this technology allowing to understand the physicochemical origin of the individual polarization processes controlling the cell performance and the degradation. The analysis of degradation processes using the DRT method and the physiochemical processes identification presented in this paper will be shown in part II of this work. Highlights • The first application of DRT approach to MCFC impedance Spectra is presented. • Five processes controlling the cell performance are individuated using DRT method. • Repeatability and reproducibility of the DRT results in MCFCs are demonstrated. • Three peaks with a high-frequency domain are related to Charge Transfer Processes. • Two peaks with a low-frequency domain are associated with Mass Transfer Mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a biogas fuelled power generation system is considered. The system is based on a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) stack integrated with a micro gas turbine for electricity generation, coupled with a pressure swing absorption system (PSA) for hydrogen production. The aim of this work is the optimal design of the system plant considering thermodynamic and economic objective functions. Optimization is performed by modifying the design parameters characterizing the operation of the fuel cell, the reformer and the microturbine. The corresponding costs and performances are obtained using a model developed at component level. Pinch analysis technique and a general heat exchanger network are used in order to select the optimal configuration of the heat exchangers. As a result, the Pareto front relating maximum efficiencies and minimum unit cost of electricity is obtained. The design corresponding with minimum cost of electricity, 0.036€/kWh, is characterized by an electrical efficiency of about 0.46. The design corresponding with maximum efficiency, about 0.62, is characterized by a unit cost of electricity of 0.055€/kWh. In the last part of the paper the effects produced by single variation of the design variables on unit cost of electricity and electrical efficiency are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In part I of this paper, the sintering and creep resistances of the five kinds of anode electrodes were compared and those of Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) were even better than any other electrodes. In part II of this paper, the wetting abilities of the same five kinds of anode electrodes to the electrolyte and their performance in unit cell operation were investigated. Their contact angles, which indicate the wetting ability, were within the range between 77 and 84°. The contact angles of Al- and/or Ni3Al-added electrodes such as Ni–Al(5), Ni–Ni3Al(7) and Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) were relatively lower than those of Cr-added electrodes. Although there was no evidence that the effect of Al and/or Ni3Al addition to pure Ni could enhance the number of pores or improve their structure for more wetting ability, it could be clearly known that the component of Al and/or Ni3Al in anode electrode could make the electrode be wetted by the electrolyte very well. In unit cell operation, the electric resistance of Ni–Al(5) and Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) were relatively lower than those of any other electrodes. After 120h operation of the unit cell, the cell performance and the endurance of Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) were even better than those of any other electrodes. And also its thickness shrinkage and porosity changes after unit cell operation were the least in five kinds of electrodes. The performance of Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) as anode seems to be caused by the synergy effect between the strengthening characteristics of Ni3Al and electric conductivity of Al. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on a benchmark hybrid power system of molten carbonate fuel cell(MCFC) integrated with the steam turbine(ST) bottom cycle system, a new MCFC/ST hybrid power system is proposed in this paper. The detailed thermodynamic models of the overall system are established. The effects of the key parameters on the new system performance are deeply studied. The exergy analysis method is used to reveal the theoretical root of performance advantage of new system. The off-design performance of the new system is analyzed. In order to improve the off-design performance of the new system, two control modes are proposed to make the fuel cell operate at 650 °C. The results indicate that the total exergy loss of the new system is obviously reduced compared with the benchmark system. The net efficiency of the new system reaches the highest when the carbon-to-steam ratio is 2.5, CO 2 utilization rate is 75%, fuel utilization rate is 85% and the current density is 1500 A/m 2 . The fuel cell is more efficient at part load than at the design point and the net hybrid power system efficiency increases in the first control mode and almost remains unchanged in the second control mode with the decrease of the load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) are promising high temperature power generating devices. However, unlike solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) they utilize a liquid electrolyte which must be immobilized in a porous matrix. In this paper, a slurry composition for lithium aluminate ( γ -LiAlO 2 ) matrix was developed and green matrices were subsequently formed by the tape casting method. In order to achieve the desired structure of the matrix (pore size, porosity) γ -LiAlO 2 powder was milled in a planetary ball mill for 18 h with a solvent, dispersant and defoamer. After this step, other ingredients were added, including a binder and plasticizer to obtain optimal rheology of the slurry. Cell tests confirmed optimal performance of the matrix compared to the third party reference γ -LiAlO 2 matrices. Burned out matrix was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction in order to determine the γ -LiAlO 2 powder particle size and morphology. The results show that high-energy milling enabled a fine pore structure and high specific surface area of the matrix to be obtained in a relatively short time, compared to conventional fabrication routes. The matrix structure obtained within this study is suitable for high performance operation of MCFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the fuel cell research and development activities at Warsaw University of Technology by reviewing in particular the progress made in the development of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC). Porous nickel electrodes were prepared by loose powder sintering, slurry casting and tape casting techniques. These efforts are directed toward gaining a better understanding of and improving the components of molten carbonate fuel cells operating at temperatures near 650°C. Cell testing is performed to assess individual and collective component behavior. Nickel electrodes oxidized under in situ conditions were used as the cathode. The tape casting technique was used to make the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In last decade, there has been increasing interest about fuel cell-heat engine or refrigerator hybrid systems. Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) provides an opportunity to be used in a hybrid system because of high temperature heat obtained from the system. Brayton cycles may be an alternative to use with MCFC as bottom cycle. In this paper, – MCFC–supercritical CO 2 (SCO 2 ) Brayton cycle hybrid heat engine is investigated as a promising power generation option. SCO 2 Brayton cycle is chosen because of some advantages like higher efficiency comparing with conventional (air) Brayton cycle. This hybrid system is investigated ecological criteria involving ecological function and exergetic sustainability index as well as basic thermodynamic parameters. Results are obtained numerically and performance limits are tried to define for designing more environmental friendly system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) allows concentrating the CO 2 from the cathode side to the anode side, generating electricity concurrently. Chemical looping air separation (CLAS) can produce an O 2 and CO 2 mixture stream as cathode feeding gas of MCFC. In this paper, a natural gas-fueled MCFC with internal reforming is integrated with CLAS as O 2 and CO 2 source for high-efficient power generation with CO 2 capture. An O 2 and CO 2 mixture stream is produced from CLAS by recirculating a portion of CO 2 -rich flue gas after the afterburner to CLAS. The system is analyzed through thermodynamic and economic performance. At the baseline case, the plant net power efficiency is 59.5%, with 99.9% CO 2 capture rate. Based on sensitivity analysis, the higher fuel cell temperature and fuel utilization factor can increase the plant net power efficiency, while the steam carbon ratio and the CLAS reduction reactor temperature are preferable to be at lower levels for higher plant net power efficiency. Finally, economic analysis is conducted. With a MCFC specific cost of $1327/kW and a natural gas price of $2.79/million Btu, the cost of electricity (COE) is $0.094/kWh. The results show the proposed system is attractive for natural gas-fueled power generation with CO 2 capture. • Chemical looping air separation provides O 2 and CO 2 for fuel cell cathode. • Besides producing power, molten carbonate fuel cell operates as CO 2 separator. • Net power efficiency of the integrated system is 59.5%. • Cost of electricity of the proposed plant is lower than that of post-combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of MCFCs as carbon dioxide concentrator is an alternative solution among the carbon capture and storage ( CCS ) technologies to reduce the CO 2 emission of an existing plant, providing energy instead of implying penalties. Moreover, the fuel flexibility exhibited by MCFCs increases the interest on such a solution. This paper provides the performance characterization of MCFCs operated in CCS configuration and fed with either natural gas or biogas. Experimental results are referred to a base CCS unit constituted by a MCFC stack fed from a reformer and integrated with an oxycombustor. A comparative analysis is carried out to evaluate the effect of fuel composition on energy efficiency and CO 2 capture performance. A higher CO 2 removal ability is revealed for the natural feeding case, bringing to a significant reduction in MCFC total area (−11.5%) and to an increase in produced net power (+13%). Moreover, the separated CO 2 results in 89% (natural gas) and 86.5% (biogas) of the CO 2 globally delivered by the CCS base unit. Further investigation will be carried out to provide a comprehensive assessment of the different solutions eco-efficiency considering also the biogas source and availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an experimental investigation of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) fueled by methane in order to predict how to reduce CO 2 emissions from the flue gas of a real power plant. MCFCs can be placed in the flue gas stream of a fossil fired power plant to separate CO 2 by transferring it from the cathode side to the anode side. As a result, a mixture of CO 2 and H 2 O is separated from which pure CO 2 can be obtained through condensation of water. The main advantages of this solution are: additional power generation, reduced CO 2 emissions and higher system efficiency. Furthermore, coal plants seem to be the ideal candidate to retrofit with MCFC plant due to their high exhaust CO 2 content and to the low cost of the fuel that encourages its application despite the narrower emission requirement. The experimental results show that use of an MCFC could reduce CO 2 emissions by 90% with over 30% efficiency in additional power generation and by demonstrating a broad range of different operative conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A review of solid oxide fuel cell- and molten carbonate fuel cell-driven systems is done. • Thermodynamic, exergoeconomic, and environmental aspects of fuel cell-based tri-generation systems are compared. • The molten carbonate fuel cell-driven system has better thermodynamic performance. • The solid oxide fuel cell-driven system is cost-effective. • The emission of the molten carbonate fuel cell-driven system is lower. The employment of safe and efficient energy conversion methods in various industries is of paramount importance. Fuel cell technology is a reliable prime mover for energy systems. In this paper, a comprehensive study is conducted to compare the thermodynamic, exergo-economic, and environmental facets of employing two types of fuel cells, embracing solid oxide fuel cell and molten carbonate fuel cell, as a driver in a trigeneration system producing cooling, heating, and power. The subsystems consist of a heating unit and a generator-absorber heat exchanger for the solid oxide fuel cell-driven system, and two heating processes for the molten carbonate fuel cell-driven system. The comparisons are made for 1 MW power generation by the fuel cells operating at ambient pressure and 0.85 for the fuel utilization factor. Simulation results show that under the baseline design conditions, the energy and exergy efficiencies of the solid oxide fuel cell-driven system are 74.1% and 37.9%, respectively, whilst these efficiencies for the molten carbonate fuel cell-driven system are 78.5% and 52.4%, correspondingly. Additionally, the comparisons reveal that the molten carbonate fuel cell-driven system outperforms the solid oxide fuel cell-driven one in terms of thermodynamic and environmental performances, but it is also more costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hybridization of gas turbine technology with high temperature fuel cells represents an ultra-high efficiency, ultra-low emission, fuel flexible power generation platform. The performance of past prototypes has been limited by marginal compatibility of the two primary sub-systems. This paper addresses the challenge of selecting compatible hardware by presenting a simple and robust method for bespoke hybrid system design and off-the-shelf component integration. This is the first application of detailed, spatially resolved, physical models capable of resolving off-design performance to the integration analysis of FC–GT hybrids. Static maps are produced for both turbine and fuel cell sub-systems that readily evaluate the compatibility and hybrid performance. Molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells are considered for hybridization with recuperated micro-turbines and larger axial flow gas turbine systems. Current state-of-the-art molten carbonate technology is shown to pair well with present micro-turbine technology in an FC bottoming cycle design achieving 74.4% LHV efficiency. Solid oxide technology demonstrates remarkable potential for integration with larger scale axial turbo-machinery to achieve greater than 75% LHV efficiency. This performance map technique closely matches results from detailed integrated hybrid system analyses, and enables quick determination of performance requirements for balance of plant design and optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fuel cell gas turbine hybrid systems have achieved ultra-high efficiency and ultra-low emissions at small scales, but have yet to demonstrate effective dynamic responsiveness or base-load cost savings. Fuel cell systems and hybrid prototypes have not utilized controls to address thermal cycling during load following operation, and have thus been relegated to the less valuable base-load and peak shaving power market. Additionally, pressurized hybrid topping cycles have exhibited increased stall/surge characteristics particularly during off-design operation. This paper evaluates additional control actuators with simple control methods capable of mitigating spatial temperature variation and stall/surge risk during load following operation of hybrid fuel cell systems. The novel use of detailed, spatially resolved, physical fuel cell and turbine models in an integrated system simulation enables the development and evaluation of these additional control methods. It is shown that the hybrid system can achieve greater dynamic response over a larger operating envelope than either individual sub-system; the fuel cell or gas turbine. Results indicate that a combined feed-forward, P–I and cascade control strategy is capable of handling moderate perturbations and achieving a 2:1 (MCFC) or 4:1 (SOFC) turndown ratio while retaining >65% fuel-to-electricity efficiency, while maintaining an acceptable stack temperature profile and stall/surge margin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the time-dependent heat and mass transfer in a molten carbonate fuel cell at start-up. Thus, a three-dimensional, transient mathematical model is presented through a comprehensive inclusion of various physical, chemical and electrochemical processes that occur within the different components of molten carbonate fuel cells. The model is proposed as a predictive tool to provide a three-dimensional demonstration of variable variations at system start-up. The local distribution of field variables and quantities are showcased. It reveals that the electrochemical reaction rate is dominated by the over-potential, not by the reactants' molar fraction. Reversible heat generation and consumption mechanisms of the cathode and anode are dominant in the first 10 s while the heat conduction from the solid materials to the gas phase is negligible. Meanwhile, activation and ohmic heating have nearly the same impact within the anode and cathode. Based on these findings, the importance of heat conduction and its main features are finally assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents an experimental investigation of using a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) to reduce CO2 emission from the flue gas of a lignite fired boiler. The MCFC is placed in the flue gas stream and separates CO2 from the cathode side to the anode side. As a result, a mixture of CO2 and H2O is obtained from which pure CO2 can be obtained through condensation of water and carbon dioxide. The main advantages of this solution are: additional electricity generated, reduced CO2 emissions and higher system efficiency. The results obtained show that the use of an MCFC could reduce CO2 emissions by 90% with over 30% efficiency in additional power generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new hybrid system mainly consists of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and a Stirling heat engine is established, where the Stirling heat engine is driven by the high-quality waste heat generated in the MCFC. Based on the electrochemistry and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, analytical expressions for the efficiency and power output of the hybrid system are derived by taking various irreversible losses into account. It shows that the performance of the MCFC can be greatly enhanced by coupling a Stirling heat engine to further convert the waste heat for power generation. By employing numerical calculations, not only the influences of multiple irreversible losses on the performance of the hybrid system are analyzed, but also the impacts of some operating conditions such as the operating temperature, input gas compositions and operating pressure on the performance of the hybrid system are also discussed. The investigation method in the present paper is feasible for some other similar energy conversion systems as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the dynamic response of a molten carbonate fuel cell is studied by means of computational fluid dynamics. First, a rigorous three-dimensional, transient and non-isothermal model is developed through a comprehensive inclusion of various transport phenomena. Next, a sinusoidal impedance approach is used to examine the dynamic response of the unit cell to inlet perturbations at impedance frequencies of 1, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 Hz. This analysis is further used to determine the phase shifts and time scales of the major dynamic processes within the fuel cell. The load-following capability of the unit cell is studied by examining the dynamic responses of the average current density, electrochemical reactions rates, heat and mass transfer, mass fractions and temperature. The results show that the electrochemical reactions and the charge transport process adjust within a millisecond. The mass transport process shows a comparatively larger time scale that is about 1 s. The heat transport process is the slowest process in the cell and takes about an hour to reach its steady-state. The developed model along with the dynamic analysis results can be used to design process control strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents analysis of a combined heat, hydrogen, and power (CHHP) plant for waste-to-energy conversion in response to the 2012 Hydrogen Student Design Contest. Our team designed the CHHP plant centered on a molten carbonate fuel cell (Fuel Cell Energy DFC-1500) fueled by syngas derived primarily from an oxygen-fed municipal waste gasifier. Catalytic methanation and supplemental utility natural gas increase the fuel methane content to meet the DFC-1500 fueling requirements for maintaining stack thermal energy balance. Internal reforming converts excess fuel from the fuel cell to an H2-rich stream, which is purified downstream in a pressure-swing adsorption system. The separated H2 (1000 kg per day) is compressed for storage to provide fuel for a campus fleet of PEM fuel cell buses. The system provides more than 1.1 MWe for the campus grid with approximately 20% of the fuel cell power used for H2 compression and running the plant. Heat recovery steam generators provide steam for the methanation reactor and 0.4 MW of thermal energy for district heating or steam turbine-driven chillers. Cost analysis indicates that the system requires incentives for economic viability with current estimated operating costs, but advances to reduce capital expenses of comparable urban waste-driven CHHP systems can make them attractive for future implementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nickel cathode is transformed to lithiated nickel oxide by oxidation and lithiation during the conditioning process for molten carbonate fuel cells. In the lithiation process, the amount of lithium inserted into nickel oxide depends on the oxygen and CO2 composition and this affects the performance of nickel cathode. In this paper, CO2 interruption technique was applied to investigate the effects of CO2 interruption on the lithiation of nickel oxide. During the CO2 interruption for 24 h in cathode operating at 20 mA/cm2, the carbonate ion in electrolyte was decomposed into oxygen and CO2. With the additional oxygen on cathode surface, Ni2+ is oxidized to Ni3+ with formation of cation vacancy in NiO. The lithium content of cathode increased from 3.0 at.% to 17.4 at.% (over-lithiation) and hence LiNiO2 phase was formed in the cathode. Cathode surface area is increased by a decrease in NiO particle size with the formation of micropores. The morphological change in cathode enhanced its electrochemical performance in the single cell. Cell voltage of the single cell that has been subjected to CO2 interruption at 120 mA/cm2 was enhanced by 300 mV, due primarily to the reduction in the internal resistance from 2.0 to 0.8 Ω cm2 and also in the charge transfer resistance from 3.0 to 1.1 Ω cm2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a summary of our recent work on wetting of polarized materials by molten carbonate, also termed “electrowetting”. Electrowetting is here defined as wetting of conducting materials by ionic liquids under conditions of Faradaic reaction, that is, current load. Our recent work has focused on three issues of practical importance: (1) the effect of alkaline-earth (Ca, Sr, Ba) additions to simple alkali carbonate eutectics with respect to the wetting characteristics of the melt; (2) the driving force behind the meniscus movement of molten carbonate at electrodes under polarization; (3) the effect of changes in wetting characteristics such as caused by alkaline-earth addition on molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) performance. These three issues are briefly summarized by means of a few key experimental and computational results, with reference to more detailed communications now in process of publication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents a control strategy concept for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) to work in Distributed Generation. The control strategy is based on several factors and directs the operation of the SOFC in the context of changes occurring in the market, while taking into account the operating characteristics of the power unit. The control strategy is defined by an appropriate objective function: for example, work at maximum profit, maximum service life, etc. The results of simulations of a fuel cell at chosen loads are presented. Daily changes in the prices of fuel and electricity are factored into the simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a biogas fuelled hybrid system, obtained by integrating a molten carbonate fuel cell with a micro-turbine is considered. The size of the plant is selected on the basis of the maximum biogas production registered by monitoring the annual operation of an anaerobic digestion plant. The system produces electricity and supplies heat to the digester. Heat is necessary to keep correct operating temperature of the bacteria. A model of the system components is built and the plant optimization is performed. Design parameters are the fuel cell temperature, pressure ratio, inlet turbine temperature, reforming temperature, recirculation percentage, size of the two subsystems. Two competing objective functions are considered: the energy efficiency and the unit cost of electricity. The Pareto front shows that efficiencies close to 50% are obtained, with unit costs comparable with market prices of electricity. The off-design conditions caused by variations in biogas production and thermal request of the digester are also considered. Experimental data from the digester are used to investigate these variations. The optimal operation is selected depending on the daily heat request and biogas production. Possible economic and energy benefits that can be achieved by adding natural gas are also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with the safety aspects of a 500kWth (thermal power) biomass gasification plant coupled with a 125kWe (electric power) molten carbonate fuel cell. In particular, it describes the procedure for assessing the explosion risk in presence of hydrogen-rich syngas and compares the results given by the application of technical standards with those obtained by the implementation of a fluid dynamic model for the potential emission scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper summarizes Contained Energy, LLC''s (CEL''s) 2 year work effort to produce a DCFC single cell with a minimum performance of 120 W.L−1 at 50% efficiency. It explains the challenge of high temperature that is required to get the power densities necessary to produce feasible-sized operational units and also explains problems encountered with partial oxidation of the carbon at those temperatures which causes low efficiencies. Finally, in an attempt to balance these two opposing parameters, CEL introduces a novel ceramic DCFC concept, reviews lessons learned and makes recommendations for future DCFC work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the multi-objective optimization of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) based hybrid plant fueled with landfill gas is performed. System operation is significantly affected by off-design conditions. These are due to variations methane concentration occurring as the landfill depletes, performance degradations of the components, particularly the fuel cell, and ambient conditions. For these reasons, the objective functions are defined considering the plant lifetime. Some of the parameters affecting the results, as the voltage degradation, the cost of fuel cell, the methane concentration and the unit cost of landfill gas can be only estimated or forecasted and their actual values are uncertain. Therefore, the optimization is performed considering a sensitivity analysis in order to estimate the effects of possible variations on the Pareto front. The following free design variables are considered: pressure and temperature operation of the MCFC, turbine inlet temperature, fuel mass flow rate. In addition, the optimal configuration of the heat exchanger network is selected for each set of the design variable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since 1990 FN S.p.A (a 98.65% ENEA participated Company), in collaboration with ENEA and AFCo-Ansaldo Fuel Cells Company, has been involved in research and development activities in the field of high temperature fuel cell porous components and in their traditional manufacturing processes (tape casting and sintering). In alternative to the traditional tape casting technology, FN has developed an innovative process based on the moulding plastic technology for the production of MCFC ceramic matrixes. With the new technology the environmental impact is reduced as it has been shown by LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) preliminary studies. These results are not the only advantages: the new process allows the realization of various and/or complex component shapes, a higher productivity level, cost reducing and the complete re-workability of rejects. In this paper a comparison between the traditional tape casting process and the new route process is shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a biogas fuelled energy system for combined production of electricity and hydrogen is considered. The system is based on a molten carbonate fuel cell stack integrated with a micro gas turbine. Hydrogen is produced by a pressure swing absorption system. A multi-objective optimization is performed, considering the electrical efficiency and the unit cost of electricity as the objective functions. The system operation is affected by variations in fuel composition, ambient temperature and performance degradation of the components occurring during its lifetime. These effects are considered while defining the objective functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to assess the techno-economic viability of the use of fuel cell as an alternative technology for landfill gas energy recovery. The case of an Italian municipal solid waste landfill is analyzed. The landfill was opened in 1998 and in 2001 the energy recovery facility started operation. The current landfill gas conversion system is based on internal combustion engine technology. However, the drawbacks of internal combustion engine in terms of conversion efficiency and air emissions are widely acknowledged. Some authors have proposed molten carbonate fuel cell as one of the most interesting solution for landfill gas energy recovery for the near future. Fuel cells have proven capable of providing superior energy efficiency and environmental performance, but their widespread use is constrained by the capital cost required. Using actual data from the landfill, a comparison between the current energy recovery system and a hypothetical alternative solution based on molten carbonate fuel cell is performed. The analysis assesses the cost-effectiveness of the two solutions, considering also some environmental externalities usually not included in traditional economic assessment. The main strengths and weaknesses of the two landfill gas energy recovery systems are highlighted and some new insights into molten carbonate fuel cell overall sustainability are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable aviation attracts the attention of academic and industrial research with the aim of lowering the environmental impact and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents two proposed high bypass three-shaft turbofan engines combined a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC-turbofan) and a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC-Turbofan). Energy and exergy analyses are conducted to investigate the performance of the aircraft at the cruising operation mode. The used fuels are kerosene and an alternative fuel blend of 75% methane and 25% hydrogen. The results show that the base turbofan has a maximum thrust force of 153 kN, while the SOFC- and MCFC-turbofans have 116 kN and 107 kN, respectively. The thermal and exergy efficiencies are 43.4% and 52% for the base-turbofan, 52.8% and 66.2% for the SOFC-turbofan, and 71% and 87.6% for the MCFC-turbofan. The carbon emissions are reduced from 18 kg/s to about 3.7 kg/s using the alternative fuel blends. The turbofan engine weight increases by 18% using the SOFC and 40% using the MCFC, while the thrust-to-weight-ratio is reduced from 2.7 for the base-turbofan, to 1.5 for the SOFC-turbofan, and 1.06 for the MCFC-turbofan. Adding a fuel cell increases the engine weight but also improves the system performance and reduces the emissions. • The performance of novel hybrid aircraft propulsion system is improved by 20% with SOFC and 80% with MCFC. • The alternative fuels are methane, methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, and hydrogen. • A comparison of system performance evaluation is carried out between kerosene and alternative fuels. • The carbon emissions are expected to be reduced by 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of stainless steel hardware corrosion on molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) cell performance decay modes is briefly reviewed. Emphasis has been given to the cathode-side corrosion of the separator plate, which is the most critical performance-limiting factor due to the growth of thick oxide scales with a poor electrical conductivity causing relevant cell voltage losses on prolonged operations. Voltage decay is related to loss of electrolyte by reaction with the growing oxide scale and to the onset of an ohmic resistance at the point of contact between the corroded separator plate and the cathode. The increase of ohmic resistance over the time is the major cause of voltage decay with the currently used austenitic 316L and 310S stainless steels. A short literature survey is presented in the second part of this paper reporting on the most promising alternative corrosion-resistant alloys or protective coatings suitable for fabrication of long-term stable cathode-side MCFC separator plates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A cobalt oxide coating was deposited on porous nickel by a potentiostatic electrochemical technique and studied in molten (Li0.52Na0.48)2CO3 eutectics at 650°C under an atmosphere of CO2:Air (30:70). The structural and morphological characteristics of this coating before and after immersion in the molten electrolyte were described in a previous paper, showing that the initial Co3O4 layer is rapidly transformed into LiCoO2 and afterwards probably into LiCo1−y Ni y O2. In the present part, the electrical and electrochemical behaviour of this promising novel MCFC cathode material was thoroughly analysed during 50h by impedance spectroscopy. A porous nickel cathode was tested in the same conditions and taken as a reference. The oxidation and lithiation reactions are accelerated by the presence of cobalt. The charge transfer resistance is higher with the coated cathode but the diffusion resistance through this new material is lower in comparison with the state-of-the-art cathode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is a promising device for stationary power and heat supply. In this work, the temperature control in MCFC stack is studied. The operating temperature of the stack is an important controlled variable, which impacts the performance of the MCFC due to thermal cycling. In order to improve the generating performance of the MCFC, prolong its life and guarantee safety, credibility and low degradation of the fuel cell, the temperature of MCFC must be controlled efficiently. Based on analyzing the temperature dynamic model of MCFC, a model-based variable structure control (VSC) controller is designed for MCFC in this paper. The optimal parameters of VSC are selected by genetic algorithm (GA). Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of this approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The object of the paper is to develop a simple and practical control strategy for a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) system. Based on a dynamic model and the control demand, a cascade control strategy is designed. The master controller imposes a change of cell current representing a change in power demand and sets the amount of fuel gas, the steam-to-carbon ratio, the air number and the cathode gas recycle ratio to their corresponding conditions for optimal steady state electric efficiency. Two feedback PID controllers are in the inner loop, one guarantees the solid temperature not to exceed a maximum temperature by changing the air number around the default set by the master controller; the other controls the maximum temperature difference by adjusting the steam-to-carbon ratio. Step response tests show that this control strategy works well when the cell current changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) technology has been developed in USA, Japan, Korea and Europe for many years. What has started about 30 years ago as an interesting laboratory object has now matured to a potential alternative to conventional power generation systems. Especially the combined heat and power (CHP) generation is an area, where MCFC power plants can be applied with great advantage, due to the high efficiencies which can be achieved. It was demonstrated by several manufacturers that in the sub-MW region MCFC power plants can reach electrical efficiencies of 47%. By making use of the heat generated by the system, total efficiencies of more than 80% can be achieved. The present paper will discuss some aspects of the development work going on with a focus on the role of the molten carbonate contained in the cells. An outlook will be given for the future prospects of this young technology in a changing energy market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To develop an anode electrode of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) that has higher creep and sintering resistance and more stable reactivity than the traditional anode electrode, the five kinds of nickel anode electrodes such as Ni–Al(5), Ni–Cr(10), Ni–Ni3Al(7), Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Cr(5) and Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) (number in parenthesis means the weight percent of its component) were prepared and their performance were investigated under the same conditions of MCFC operation. In part I of our study, their relative creep and sintering resistance were compared. The Ni–Ni3Al(5)–Al(3) anode electrode was the most resistant against the sintering and its porosity was kept over 60% even at 1000°C. And its porosity decrease and thickness shrinkage by creep were the least among the five kinds of anode electrodes. Thus, the effects of the aluminum and nickel–aluminum intermetallic compound (Ni3Al) addition to nickel as the dispersant strengthening and the solid solution strengthening agents were confirmed by comparative tests for sintering and creep resistance of five kinds of anode electrodes. Besides these results, we could also know that the creep of anode electrode for MCFC mostly proceeded within 60h from the start of operation irrespective of the kinds of anode electrodes. And in part II of paper, for more information about the wetting ability and cell performances of these five kinds of anode electrodes, the measurement of wetting ability and unit cell operations were carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The subject of the paper is the development of suitable models for the process design and process control of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) systems. In a first step, a rigorous dynamic, spatially distributed model of an MCFC is derived from first principles. As this model is too complex for most process control purposes, a reduced model is developed in the following. The reduced model is derived from the spatially distributed reference model of the cell by applying the Karhunen–Loève–Galerkin procedure. The reduced model is of considerably lower order than the original one and requires much less computational time. The applicability of the reduced model to process control problems is demonstrated by using it in the framework of a state and parameter estimator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Department of Energy (DOE) is the largest funder of fuel cell technology in the U.S. The Department of Energy—Office of Fossil Energy (FE) is developing high temperature fuel cells for distributed generation. It has funded the development of tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) power systems operating at up to 60% efficiency on natural gas. The remarkable environmental performance of these fuel cells makes them likely candidates to help mitigate pollution. DOE is now pursuing more widely applicable solid oxide fuel cells for 2010 and beyond. DOE estimates that a 5 kW solid oxide fuel cell system can reach $400 per kW at reasonable manufacturing volumes. SECA—the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance—was formed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to accelerate the commercial readiness of planar and other solid oxide fuel cell systems utilizing 3–10 kW size modules by taking advantage of the projected economies of production from a “mass customization” approach. In addition, if the modular 3–10 kW size units can be “ganged” or “scaled-up” to larger sizes with no increase in cost, then commercial, microgrid, and other distributed generation markets will become attainable. Further scale-up and hybridization of SECA SOFCs with gas turbines could result in penetration of the bulk power market. This paper reviews the current status of the solid oxide and molten carbonate fuel cells in the U.S. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, different pressurisation and heat recovering techniques for an existing 100 kW molten carbonate fuel cell developed by Ansaldo fuel cells (formerly Ansaldo Ricerche) such as electrically driven compressors for anode (fuel) and cathode side (air), turbocharger, simple cycle gas turbine and regenerated gas turbine are analysed and discussed.The analysis has been carried out using for the FCS–MCFC stack simulation a model developed by the Thermochemical Power Group of the University of Genoa carefully tested with available experimental design point data. The design point hybrid system configurations have been analysed in detail using the code HS-MCFC based on the cited MCFC stack model and developed using Simulink language [Master Thesis, University of Genoa, 2001].The different hybrid systems design point performance are presented and discussed in great detail, taking into account efficiency, specific power, costs, feasibility, and the need of modification of the existing FC–MCFC systems.Due to the size of the hybrid systems investigated (100–150 kW) they are very interesting for distributed power generation applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Increased concern over the environment degradation due to the emission of green house gases and interest in co-generating electricity and heat have stimulated intensive development of the fuel cell technology. In order to reduce the fuel cell manufacturing costs and to improve its performance, a better understanding of the fuel and oxidant species transport processes within fuel cells is critical. Fuel and oxidant flow distributions through fuel cell channels, usually through distribution manifold, have significant impact on fuel cell performance and efficiency. To this end, this paper presents the effects of the fuel and oxidant flow distributions on multi-channel fuel cell performance using a model of gas flow, heat and mass transfer with the electrochemical reactions for molten carbonate fuel cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper deals with network flow analysis and its application to the calculation of flow distribution within fuel cells. The generated node and loop equations for the network analysis are presented. In order to accommodate changes in cell design, i.e. changes in flow network topology, the analysis includes automatic loop equation generation based on topology analysis and network search algorithm. The calculated flow distributions were in excellent agreement with experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]