Performance tests with a SOFC unit fuelled with syngas produced from biomass gasification reactors, properly conditioned and cleaned

Performance tests were completed with a SOFC unit fuelled with syngas produced from biomass gasification reactors, properly conditioned and cleaned. Three series of tests at bench and industrial scale were completed. The results of the tests indicate that cleaned syngas, from both steam blown gasifier and oxygen/steam blown gasifier reactor, is a feasible fuel for anode supported SOFC cell. Cell performance on cleaned syngas is comparable or better than SOFC cell performance fuelled with the reference, hydrogen/nitrogen gas mixture. Several potential issues for the integrated SOFC/gasifier operation were identified. Proper humidification of the gas stream, necessary to avoid carbon deposition, is critical for the long term cell performance. The presence of larger amounts of methane and higher hydrocarbons may lead to SOFC cell cracking due to large temperature gradients resulting from internal reforming process.