Analysis of performance of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell .5. Formulation of anode reaction resistance

The accuracy of estimated performance of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) under various operating conditions depends on that of the formulation for reaction overpotential. It has been clarified that the behavior of cathode overpotential is well estimated from the dependence of mixed diffusion of superoxide ion (O-2(.)) and CO2 in (Li+K)/CO3 molten carbonate on the assumed partial pressure. On the other hand. the anode overpotential would be usually small compared with cathode overpotential and independent of partial pressure. However. we have found that anode overpotential increases at low hydrogen partial pressure. To analyze this problem, we have examined the anode performances of single cells operated under various anode gas conditions expected to be used in LNG or Coal fueled power plant. As a result, it is shown that the behavior of anode overpotential is well described with P(H-2).(0.5) (H-2 partial pressure to minus half power) dependence.