Personal power using metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells operated in a camping stove flame

A complete stand-alone product prototype providing combined cooking and power is fabricated by retrofitting a commercial camping stove with a stack of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) delivering power to microelectronic LED driver and voltage boost circuits. The 5-cell stack produces 2.7 W (156 mW cm⁻²) while cooking on the stove, and is demonstrated to produce LED lighting and mobile phone charging while operating outdoors. Cooking efficiency is minimally impacted by the presence of the MS-SOFCs. It is found that vertical orientation of the cells is critical to maintain separation of fuel and air when a pot is placed on the stove.