An analysis of heat transfer processes in an internal indirect reforming type solid oxide fuel cell

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on the fuel reforming process on an Ni/YSZ catalyst. Nickel is widely known as a catalyst material for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Because of its prices and catalytic properties, Ni is used in both electrodes and internal reforming reactors. However, using Ni as a catalyst carries some disadvantages. Carbon formation is a major problem during a methane/steam reforming reaction based on Ni catalysis. Carbon formation occurs between nickel and metal-support, creating fibers which damage the catalytic property of the reactor. To prevent carbon deposition, the steam-to-carbon ratio is kept between 3 and 5 throughout the entire process. To optimize the reforming reactors, detailed data about the entire reforming process is required. In the present paper kinetics of methane/steam reforming on the Ni/YSZ catalyst was experimentally investigated. Measurements including different thermal boundary conditions, the fuel flow rate and the steam-to-methane ratios were performed. The reforming rate equation derived from experimental data was used in the numerical model to predict synthetic gas composition at the outlet of the reformer.