A radiation-based approach to planar solid oxide fuel cell modules

This article describes the initial analysis underlying the design of a core module consisting of a 1 to 3 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack and a radiant air preheater (RAP) module. The design and testing of three SOFC stack/RAP modules was part of a California Energy Commission-sponsored project with the Gas Technology Institute. The objective of the design was to improve the thermal management of an SOFC system through radiant heat transfer from the stack walls to adjacent air preheater panels. The testing of this and subsequent modules has suggested that use of the radiation-based approach significantly improved the in management of stack-generated heat.