Integration of Residual Gas Analysis Mass Spectrometry Into a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Test Stand for Emissions Characterization

With the increased effort to lower emissions from commercial aircraft, the development of electric and hybrid systems is also on the rise. The use of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for hybrid systems to produce clean power is very promising, but hydrogen as a main fuel source has many challenges from production to storage. This has led to research of alternative fuels such as methane, jet fuel, and ammonia for use in SOFCs and SOFC hybrid systems. These fuels, however, have some emissions concerns that have not yet been quantified with SOFCs. With the use of residual gas analysis mass spectrometry, the characterization of these emissions, such as carbon dioxide and NOx, can be completed. This paper dives into the implementation of mass spectrometry into a SOFC test stand and an outline of a quantitative analysis of emissions produced using alternative fuels compared to hydrogen.