A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Management in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Focus on Burners, Heat Exchangers, and Strategies

Mingfei Li, Jingjing Wang (), Zhengpeng Chen, Xiuyang Qian, Chuanqi Sun, Di Gan, Kai Xiong, Mumin Rao, Chuangting Chen and Xi Li
Additional contact information
Mingfei Li: Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511466, China
Jingjing Wang: Key Laboratory of Image Processing and Intelligent Control of Education Ministry, School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Zhengpeng Chen: Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511466, China
Xiuyang Qian: Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511466, China
Chuanqi Sun: Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511466, China
Di Gan: Guangdong Huizhou Lng Power Co., Ltd., Huizhou 516081, China
Kai Xiong: Guangdong Energy Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510630, China
Mumin Rao: Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511466, China
Chuangting Chen: Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511466, China
Xi Li: Key Laboratory of Image Processing and Intelligent Control of Education Ministry, School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-30

Abstract: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are emerging as a leading solution in sustainable power generation, boasting high power-to-energy density and minimal emissions. With efficiencies potentially exceeding 60% for electricity generation alone and up to 85% when in cogeneration applications, SOFCs significantly outperform traditional combustion-based technologies, which typically achieve efficiencies of around 35–40%. Operating effectively at elevated temperatures (600 °C to 1000 °C), SOFCs not only offer superior efficiency but also generate high-grade waste heat, making them ideal for cogeneration applications. However, these high operational temperatures pose significant thermal management challenges, necessitating innovative solutions to maintain system stability and longevity. This review aims to address these challenges by offering an exhaustive analysis of the latest advancements in SOFC thermal management. We begin by contextualizing the significance of thermal management in SOFC performance, focusing on its role in enhancing operational stability and minimizing thermal stresses. The core of this review delves into various thermal management subsystems such as afterburners, heat exchangers, and advanced thermal regulation strategies. A comprehensive examination of the recent literature is presented, highlighting innovations in subsystem design, fuel management, flow channel configuration, heat pipe integration, and efficient waste heat recovery techniques. In conclusion, we provide a forward-looking perspective on the state of research in SOFC thermal management, identifying potential avenues for future advancements and their implications for the broader field of sustainable energy technologies.

Keywords: solid oxide fuel cells thermal management; combustors; heat exchanger; thermal management strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/5/1005/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/5/1005/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:1005-:d:1342765

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().