Ethanol and methane fueled solid oxide fuel cells: A comparative study

Ethanol and methane are compared as candidate fuels for generation of electrical power in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). The thermodynamic analysis of both alternatives was undertaken considering that a SOFC operates with the equilibrium products of the steam reforming of each raw fuel. The comparison was made assuming SOFC operation under atmospheric total pressure in the temperature range of 800–1200K, and results were obtained in terms of the maximun theoretical electromotive force (emf) and the thermodynamic efficiency of total energy conversion. It was found that although methane fueled SOFCs are able to provide slightly higher efficiencies, ethanol is a competitive alternative fuel with suitable characteristics.