title: A Portable Generator Incorporating Mini-Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

authors: Hyde, Andrew Justin

subjects: portable

abstract: Modern society has become reliant on battery powered electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers.  The standard way of recharging these devices is by connecting to a reticulated electricity supply.  In situations with no electricity supply some other recharging method is required.  Such a possibility is a small, portable, generator based on fuel cell technology, specifically mini-tubular solid
oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFC).  MT-SOFCs have been developed since the 1990s but there is limited analysis, discussion or research on developing and constructing a portable generator based on MT-SOFC technology.  Such a generator, running on a portable gas supply, requires combining the key aspects of cell performance, a heating and fuel reforming system, and cell manifolds.  Cell design, fuel type, fuel flow rate, current-collection method and operating temperature all greatly affected MT-SOFCs performance. Segmenting the cathode significantly increased the power output. Maximum power density from an electrolyte supported MT-SOFC was 140 mW/cm2.  The partial oxidation reactor (POR) developed provided the required heat to maintain the MT-SOFCs at an operating temperature suitable for generating electricity.  The exhaust gas from the POR was a suitable fuel for MT-SOFCs, having sufficient carbon monoxide and hydrogen to generate electricity.  Various manifold materials were evaluated including solid metal blocks and folded sheet metal.  It was found that manifolds made from easily worked alumina fibre board decreased the thermal stresses and therefore the fracture rate of the MT-SOFCs.  The final prototype developed comprised a partial oxidation reactor and MT-SOFCs mounted in alumina fibre board manifolds within a well-insulated enclosure, which could be run on LPG.  Calculated efficiency of the final prototype was 4%.  If all the carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced by the partial oxidation reactor were converted to electrical energy, efficiency would increase to 39%. Under ideal conditions, efficiency would be 78%.  Efficiency of the prototype can be improved by increasing the fuel and oxygen utilisation ratios, ensuring heat from the exhaust gases is transferred to the incoming gases, and improving the methods for collecting current at both the anode and cathode.

text: A Portable Generator Incorporating Mini-Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Modern society has become reliant on battery powered electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers.  The standard way of recharging these devices is by connecting to a reticulated electricity supply.  In situations with no electricity supply some other recharging method is required.  Such a possibility is a small, portable, generator based on fuel cell technology, specifically mini-tubular solid
oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFC).  MT-SOFCs have been developed since the 1990s but there is limited analysis, discussion or research on developing and constructing a portable generator based on MT-SOFC technology.  Such a generator, running on a portable gas supply, requires combining the key aspects of cell performance, a heating and fuel reforming system, and cell manifolds.  Cell design, fuel type, fuel flow rate, current-collection method and operating temperature all greatly affected MT-SOFCs performance. Segmenting the cathode significantly increased the power output. Maximum power density from an electrolyte supported MT-SOFC was 140 mW/cm2.  The partial oxidation reactor (POR) developed provided the required heat to maintain the MT-SOFCs at an operating temperature suitable for generating electricity.  The exhaust gas from the POR was a suitable fuel for MT-SOFCs, having sufficient carbon monoxide and hydrogen to generate electricity.  Various manifold materials were evaluated including solid metal blocks and folded sheet metal.  It was found that manifolds made from easily worked alumina fibre board decreased the thermal stresses and therefore the fracture rate of the MT-SOFCs.  The final prototype developed comprised a partial oxidation reactor and MT-SOFCs mounted in alumina fibre board manifolds within a well-insulated enclosure, which could be run on LPG.  Calculated efficiency of the final prototype was 4%.  If all the carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced by the partial oxidation reactor were converted to electrical energy, efficiency would increase to 39%. Under ideal conditions, efficiency would be 78%.  Efficiency of the prototype can be improved by increasing the fuel and oxygen utilisation ratios, ensuring heat from the exhaust gases is transferred to the incoming gases, and improving the methods for collecting current at both the anode and cathode.

year: 2008

title: A review of late Quaternary silicic and some other tephra formations from New Zealand: their stratigraphy, nomenclature, distribution, volume, and age.

authors: Froggatt, Paul C.

subjects: tephra formation

abstract: The stratigraphic relationships and distribution of 36 named late Quaternary (≤c. 50 000 yr B P.) silicic tephra formations, erupted from 4 volcanic centres—Okataina, Taupo, Maroa, and Tuhua (Mayor Island)—are presented. The stratigraphy and status of several other named late Quaternary tephras are also discussed. This compilation brings together all the data, currently scattered through many publications, to make tephrostratigraphy more accessible and more easily used. The nomenclature of tephra formations is discussed and some rationalisations are suggested. The term “tephrology” is suggested as an appropriate title for the field of tephra studies. The deletion of grain-size (ash, lapi1li), shape (breccia), and lithologic (pumice) terms from all formation names is recommended, as is standardisation on a “Tephra Formation” formal Several tephra layers not previously formally named, or without designated type sections, are defined. The dominant ferromagnesian mineral assemblage of each tephra formation has been compiled as an aid to tephra identification. All available radiocarbon ages (384) on each tephra formation are presented, and each age is assessed for reliability in dating the eruption of that tephra. The standard-deviation weighted mean age of the reliable ages has been determined as the best current estimate of the age of each tephra. At least 10 tephra formations have no reliable ages, and efforts should be made to date these

text: A review of late Quaternary silicic and some other tephra formations from New Zealand: their stratigraphy, nomenclature, distribution, volume, and age. The stratigraphic relationships and distribution of 36 named late Quaternary (≤c. 50 000 yr B P.) silicic tephra formations, erupted from 4 volcanic centres—Okataina, Taupo, Maroa, and Tuhua (Mayor Island)—are presented. The stratigraphy and status of several other named late Quaternary tephras are also discussed. This compilation brings together all the data, currently scattered through many publications, to make tephrostratigraphy more accessible and more easily used. The nomenclature of tephra formations is discussed and some rationalisations are suggested. The term “tephrology” is suggested as an appropriate title for the field of tephra studies. The deletion of grain-size (ash, lapi1li), shape (breccia), and lithologic (pumice) terms from all formation names is recommended, as is standardisation on a “Tephra Formation” formal Several tephra layers not previously formally named, or without designated type sections, are defined. The dominant ferromagnesian mineral assemblage of each tephra formation has been compiled as an aid to tephra identification. All available radiocarbon ages (384) on each tephra formation are presented, and each age is assessed for reliability in dating the eruption of that tephra. The standard-deviation weighted mean age of the reliable ages has been determined as the best current estimate of the age of each tephra. At least 10 tephra formations have no reliable ages, and efforts should be made to date these

year: 1990-01-01

title: Rewi Mokena: youngest son of Mokena Hou

authors: Hart, Philip

abstract: The youngest child of Mokena Hou, Rewi Mokena moved from place to place when young, finally settling permanently at Te Aroha. Having received some education, he was fluent in English. Like the typical rangatira of the time, he acquired interests in several blocks of land, obtained income from these in the short term, but because of financial difficulties was brought before the court several times. 
His involvement in gold mining started in a small way in 1875. Five years later, he would assist Hone Werahiko to prospect Te Aroha – and to fend off inquisitive Pakeha. He invested in claims in all of the three areas where gold was found.
By the twentieth century, Rewi was the most important rangatira at Te Aroha, and had wider influence, assisting the King Movement to seek redress for lost land. From a young age he participated in Pakeha society, notably as a rugby player, and became a prominent Mormon. His complicated private life, including bigamy and a wife’s attempted suicide because of his adultery, did not lower his high standing in Maori society nor damage his popularity with Pakeha.

text: Rewi Mokena: youngest son of Mokena Hou The youngest child of Mokena Hou, Rewi Mokena moved from place to place when young, finally settling permanently at Te Aroha. Having received some education, he was fluent in English. Like the typical rangatira of the time, he acquired interests in several blocks of land, obtained income from these in the short term, but because of financial difficulties was brought before the court several times. 
His involvement in gold mining started in a small way in 1875. Five years later, he would assist Hone Werahiko to prospect Te Aroha – and to fend off inquisitive Pakeha. He invested in claims in all of the three areas where gold was found.
By the twentieth century, Rewi was the most important rangatira at Te Aroha, and had wider influence, assisting the King Movement to seek redress for lost land. From a young age he participated in Pakeha society, notably as a rugby player, and became a prominent Mormon. His complicated private life, including bigamy and a wife’s attempted suicide because of his adultery, did not lower his high standing in Maori society nor damage his popularity with Pakeha.

year: 2016