Review of thermal partial oxidation reforming with integrated solid oxide fuel cell power generation

Thermal partial oxidation has been investigated for many years as one mechanism of reforming hydrocarbons to synthesis gas for direct integration with solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power generation. In this review recent progress in thermal partial oxidation, SOFCs, and integrated setups are explored. Progress in thermal partial oxidation, including micro-scale reformers that can achieve super-adiabatic conditions to maximize the synthesis gas generation, are reviewed. Key challenges remain with soot formation, flammability limits and limited research that integrates advanced thermal partial oxidation reformers with SOFCs. Two integrated setups, the direct flame and flame-assisted fuel cells are explored to understand the tradeoff between reformer optimization, SOFC performance optimization and limitations created through integration, including low fuel utilization. Simplifications in the thermal management of the integrated setup point to key opportunities for rapid startup and thermal cycling, which have been difficult to achieve in planar dual chamber SOFCs. Applications of the technology are reviewed and opportunities for future research are discussed.