Tennessee Tech University’s Pressurized SOFC Test Stand Updates and Progress Through 2024

David Schafer, October 15, 2024

Tennessee Tech University currently has a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) test stand capable of testing SOFCs using multiple fuels and at various temperatures and pressures. This test stand allows for the characterization of tubular SOFCs through a DC programmable load cell which allows the building of polarization curves (also known as i-v or v-i curves). The test stand is also built to the conditions an SOFC would experience within an SOFC gas turbine hybrid. The PPATS group here at TnTech continues to make upgrades to this test stand, especially within the last year. In that timeframe, graduate students have improved the test stand to allow for better temperature gradients along the length of the SOFC tube, updated the test stand to allow for a maximum of 2kW SOFC bundle capabilities, and worked towards implementing a mass spectrometer allowing for gas flow composition characterization. The test stand is also being upgraded for more fuels with both ammonia (NH3) and jet fuel capabilities set to be implemented within the next few months. These improvements and upgrades will allow the PPATS team at TnTech to understand the performance and operation of SOFCs and SOFC technologies within larger integrated power generation and propulsion systems for various fuels.