The paper investigates the possibility of utilisation of heat-recirculating systems for fuel conversions having low net thermal effect. The experimental part is conducted with an electrically heated heat exchanger. It is shown that heat-recirculating systems can operate under superadiabatic conditions. Their thermal characteristics are provided by means of the dependencies of heat recirculation ratio on process parameters. Further, the heat-recirculating catalytic combustion system is characterised via combustion bifurcation diagrams. The similarities and differences of both those heat-recirculating systems are qualitatively compared and explained. Bifurcation characteristics proves to be useful tools in concise description of practical complex heat-recirculating fuel conversion systems in energy generation.

High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are considered as suitable components of future large-scale clean and efficient power generation systems. However, at its current stage of development some technical barriers exists which limit SOFC’s potential for rapid large-scale deployment. The present article aims at providing solutions to key technical barriers in SOFC technology. The focus is on the solutions addressing thermal resistance, fuel reforming, energy conversion efficiency, materials, design, and fuel utilisation issues.