Experimental Setup of a Lightweight Onboard Desulfurizer for SOFC-GT Hybrid Systems Utilizing Logistics Fuels

The development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) with Gas Turbines (GTs) for high efficiency, low emission power generation is growing fast for both ground and aviation applications. However, these hybrid systems and their SOFCs have complications using readily available and energy dense logistics fuels such as Jet-A and JP-8. The issue arises from the sulfur content within these fuels which can “poison” SOFCs. The sulfur content can block reaction sites on the nickel anode of most SOFCs which limits the electrochemical reaction. This research tests the viability of a lightweight desulfurizer reactor for onboard use within ground power generation purposes or novel propulsion applications. As well as the optimal operating conditions, Life of sorbent material, effects of regeneration on the sorbent material, and effectiveness of the reactor. The desulfurizer was tested on a standalone test bed to verify the operation conditions. Once operation was confirmed with a decrease in sulfur content of 99% from the untreated fuel an integrated test was completed. From this test untreated jet fuel was desulfurized using the reactor and was fed directly to an SOFC and produced power just 5% below baseline hydrogen.