Efficiency Enhancement in Fuel Cells: Multistage Oxidation Concept

The potential for high-efficiency energy conversion is one of the principal factors driving the development of fuel cell systems. High fuel utilization and high operating voltage are required in order to obtain high efficiency. Analysis shows that the efficiency of a fuel cell system increases by employing multistage fuel oxidation. In addition, the multistage oxidation improves stack reliability by reducing temperature gradients in the stacks. The concept was experimentally tested using single- and two-stage planar solid oxide fuel cell stack arrangements.