Micro-tubular flame-assisted fuel cells for micro-combined heat and power systems

Currently the role of fuel cells in future power generation is being examined, tested and discussed. However, implementing systems is more difficult because of sealing challenges, slow start-up and complex thermal management and fuel processing. A novel furnace system with a flame-assisted fuel cell is proposed that combines the thermal management and fuel processing systems by utilizing fuel-rich combustion. In addition, the flame-assisted fuel cell furnace is a micro-combined heat and power system, which can produce electricity for homes or businesses, providing resilience during power disruption while still providing heat. A micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell achieves a significant performance of 430 mW cm−2 operating in a model fuel-rich exhaust stream. •A novel furnace concept for micro-combined heat and power is proposed.•Micro-tubular flame-assisted fuel cells are proposed and demonstrated.•Significant power of ∼430 mW cm−2 was achieved operating in fuel-rich exhaust.•High fuel utilization (compared to direct flame fuel cells) was achieved 29.1%.