Fast Gas Composition Analysis for Fuel Cell Development and Testing Using an Agilent Micro GC

Importance of the topic

The rapid growth in electricity demand and the emergence of fuel cells as clean energy sources have increased the need for accurate, real-time gas composition analysis to optimize performance and ensure reliable operation.

Objectives and overview of the study

This note presents the application of the Agilent 490 Micro GC system for monitoring gas streams at multiple stages of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) development and beta testing at Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited. The goal is to deliver rapid, on-site diagnostic data across the natural gas feed, pre-reformed gas, and exhaust.

Methodology and instrumentation

A compact Agilent 490 Micro GC equipped with three separate column channels (Molecular Sieve 5A, PoraPLOT Q, and CP-Sil 5 CB) was employed. Sampling points along the fuel cell assembly include:

• Natural gas feed (CH4, N2, CO2, C2–C6 hydrocarbons)
• Pre-reformer effluent (mainly CH4, H2, CO2, trace CO)
• Anode exhaust (H2, CO2, CH4, CO, N2, O2)

Key parameters for each channel involved specific column temperatures (50–90 °C), carrier gases (argon or helium at 70–100 kPa), injection times (40 ms), backflush protocols, and a 60-s sampling duration.

Main results and discussion

The system separated major components with analysis times under three minutes:

• The MS5A channel resolved O2, N2, and CH4 while venting moisture and CO2.
• PoraPLOT Q detected C2–C3 hydrocarbons and CO2, backflushing heavier hydrocarbons.
• CP-Sil 5 CB quantified C4–C6+ hydrocarbons.

Pre-reformed gas analysis confirmed catalyst performance by tracking CH4 conversion and H2 formation. Exhaust spectra provided insights into internal reforming efficiency, hydrogen uptake for efficiency calculations, and leak detection via N2 levels.

Benefits and practical applications

• Fast turnaround (<3 min) enables rich trend data for QC and diagnostics.
• Portability and low gas consumption allow in-lab and field relocation.
• Flexible multi-channel setup adapts to varying sample matrices.

Future trends and possibilities for use

Advances may include coupling micro-GC outputs with digital control systems for real-time process optimization, extending applications to hydrogen blending and CO2 capture, and further miniaturization for integrated sensor networks in distributed energy systems.

Conclusion

The Agilent 490 Micro GC offers a rapid, accurate, and portable solution for comprehensive gas analysis in SOFC development, supporting efficient fuel utilization, performance monitoring, and leak detection.

References

1. Fuel cell facts – Complete Set; Ceramic Fuel Cell Limited; December 2011.
2. Analysis of Biogas using the Agilent 490 Micro GC Biogas Analyzer; Agilent Technologies; Publication Number 5990-9508EN; November 2011.