Direct Flame Fuel Cell Performance Using a Multi-Element Diffusion Flame Burner

Abstract

A direct flame fuel cell setup was designed and built in this work based on a multi-element diffusion flame burner. The direct combination of the flat flame and the solid oxide fuel cell in a simple, “no-chamber” setup is implemented. Flame temperature measurements were made using a fine-wire S-type thermocouple to characterize the burner performance. The MEDB was proven to provide uniform, ~1D conditions above the surface of the burner, with temperature variations of less than ±2% in the transverse direction (parallel to the burner surface). At heights above the flame front (≥10 mm), the axial temperature was also approximately constant within 45 mm. Direct flame fuel cell experiments were performed using an anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on button cell geometry under different operation conditions. The cell performance reached power density of up to 400 W/m 2 , which was dependent on the flame condition and the original performance of the SOFC.