A Solid Oxide Regenerative Fuel Cell (SORFC) or a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
(SOFC) is incorporated into an electrically powered airplane to provide
either regenerative or primary electrical energy. The SORFC, the SOFC, or
any other suitable fuel cell within an airplane may also be used to heat
payload or equipment within the airplane. The SORFC is not only capable of
generating electrical energy from fuel and a suitable oxidizer, but can
also generate fuel through electrolysis of oxidized fuel. Thus, the SORFC
system powering an airplane can obtain oxygen oxidant reactant from the
air and avoid the complexity, weight, volume, and cost associated with
oxygen storage.
