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EPSRC Reference: GR/N34789/01
Title: THE IMPACT OF BIOFUELS ON SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL PERFORMANCE
Principal Investigator: Brandon, Professor NP
Other Investigators:
Hart, Professor D Atkinson, Professor A Bauen, Dr AW
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
BG British Biogen Ltd Milbury Systems
Rural Generation Ltd
Department: Chemical Engineering
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2000 Ends: 30 September 2003 Value (£): 89,491
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Bioenergy Fuel Cell Technologies
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is receiving considerable attention as a clean, highly efficient device for the production of both electricity and high grade waste heat, with market studies predicting SOFC power plant sales of some 300 MWe pa. by the year 2025. Current developers of the SOFC are focusing on the use of hydrocarbons such as natural gas as a fuel. Thus, whilst the SOFC certainly generates energy in a cleaner and more efficient manner from such fuels in comparison to conventional heat engines, it cannot be described as a truly renewable power source. The aim of this study is to consider the impact of a renewable fuel source, namely biomass derived fuels or biofuel, on SOFC performance, and specifically on anode behaviour. Work will focus on two classes of biofuels, one produced by small scale gasification, the other by anaerobic digestion. These offer different characteristics, and in turn throw different challenges onto the SOFC. Work will focus in the first instance on the impact of the biofuels on anode performance. Anodes will then be incorporated into full fuel cells and tested. The final task will consider the system and cost implications arising from the work.EngProg\
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Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk