Technology is rapidly advancing both in the area of thermoelectric (TE) modules and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Advanced solid oxide fuel cells are theoretically capable of converting over 60% of the energy available in the fuel (based on the fuels lower heating value) to electricity at operating temperatures around 800 degrees C. The remaining 40% of the energy is converted to heat. With the development of high performance thermoelectric materials, it now appears that a significant portion of the waste heat produced by an SOFC system can be converted into useable electrical energy by thermoelectric devices. An integrated SOFC-TE hybrid, therefore, offers the potential of increased efficiency (lower fuel consumption) than a conventional SOFC. This project proposes a parametric investigation of the integration of the application of advanced SOFC and thermoelectric technologies to maximize the efficiency of a portable power generator with 250Watts of net output power. A laboratory test of a thermoelectric device heated by a solid oxide fuel cell is also discussed. A conceptual design of the integrated 250 Watt SOFC-TE power system will be created.
Keywords: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Thermoelectric Device, Portable Power Source, Parametric Investigation, Conceptual Design,
