An application of generalized least squares method to an analysis of methane/steam reforming process on a Ni/YSZ catalyst

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations of methane/steam reforming process over a Ni/YSZ catalyst for SOFCs. Designing and optimizing an indirect internal reformer and a cell with direct reforming for an SOFC application require precise kinetic data. The generalized least squares (GLS) method was applied to evaluate the reaction rate. Mathematical modeling of the process coupled with the GLS algorithm and numerical analyses pointed out that the experimental inaccuracy could be reduced. The proposed algorithm allows for the calculation of the most probable values of kinetic parameters and uncertainties of the obtained results.