SEGMENTED ELECTRODE TUBULAR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

A tubular solid oxide fuel cell system is disclosed. The fuel cell system comprises, in one embodiment according to the invention: a tubular electrolyte layer; a plurality of separate anode segments mounted on a first surface of the tubular electrolyte layer; and a plurality of separate cathode segments mounted on a second surface of the tubular electrolyte layer, opposite the first surfface, in corresponding positions to positions occupied by the separate anode segments on the first surface; wherein corresponding anode and cathode segments form a plurality of fuel cell sections along the length of the tubular electrolyte layer. Related methods of manufacturing and operating tubular solid oxide fuel cell systems, and of reforming hydrocarbon fuels, are also disclosed.