Solid oxide fuel cell system for aircraft power, heat, water, and oxygen generation

摘要

An aircraft contains a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells located in different portions of the aircraft. A method of operating the plurality of solid oxide fuel cells includes providing power from each of the plurality of solid oxide fuel cells to at least one of a plurality of power consuming components located in a same portion of the aircraft as the solid oxide fuel cell. Another method of operating at least one solid oxide fuel cell located in an aircraft includes providing ambient air and power to the solid oxide fuel cell without providing fuel to the solid oxide fuel cell to generate oxygen for the aircraft cabin when the aircraft is in flight. Another method of operating at least one solid oxide fuel cell located in a passenger aircraft includes providing water from the solid oxide fuel cell to the aircraft cabin.