Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) represent a promising technology to increase the electrical
efficiency of biomass-based combined-heat-power systems in comparison to state-of-the-art
gas engines, additionally providing high temperature heat. To identify favorable gas
compositions and operating conditions for an efficient coupling with gasifiers at low
degradation risk is of major importance to ensure stability, reliability and durability of the
systems used. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive analysis on the influence of main
gas components on the performance of an industrial-size SOFC relevant for the use with
product gases from biomass gasification. Recommendations for concentrations of H2O, CO,
CH4 and CO2 in a H2+N2 gas mixture for enhancing cell performance are presented. Moreover,
the degradation stability of a loaded cell fueled with a modeled steam-gasifier product gas is
investigated showing no performance- or substrate degradation.10111212Austrian Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (bmvit