This work aims at the investigation and optimization of a hybrid start-up process for a self-sustained reactor for n-butane to syngas conversion in intermediate temperature, micro-solid oxide fuel cell (micro-SOFC) power plants. The catalytic reaction is carried out in the presence of Rh-doped Ce0.5Zr0.5O2nanoparticles in a disk-shaped reactor. For the start-up, a resistance heater is embedded inside the catalytic bed and is activated until the exothermic oxidative reaction is initiated. The self-sustained temperature and reforming performance are demonstrated to be highly dependent on the fuel to oxygen (C/O) ratio and the catalytic activity at different space times. It is shown that a C/O ratio of 0.8 is a very good choice in terms of achieved steady-state temperature, syngas selectivity and start-up time. At a reactor inlet temperature of 809 °C for a C/O ratio of 0.8 and a space time as low as 8 ms, a syngas selectivity of 69.6% and a temperature of 529 °C at the simulated micro-SOFC membrane are demonstrated. After only 15 s from ignition, a temperature of 600 °C at the reactor inlet is reached. The hybrid start-up process is optimized with respect to a specific setup as an example, but is of general nature and utility to similar systems.
