Hybridized, High Pressure, Liquid Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) for Aircraft Primary Power

Abstract

The primary focus of this paper was to examine the feasibility of using a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) generator (fueled with low sulfur liquid hydrocarbon) as the energy source for primary power of a small aircraft. Comparison with H2-fueled, low temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells was also examined. A complete set of hybridized generators (SOFC + turbine + battery) system layouts were developed for short and long duration flights. Solid models and packaging concepts for the optimized SOFC solutions for both mission durations were also developed based on our prior testing data on the sub-scale.The work resulted in identifying key risks for scalability to mega-watt (MW) scale electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP). It can also be used to support certification and regulations development for electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems in future work.