A thermodynamic analysis of hydrogen generation by acetic acid steam reforming has been carried out with respect to applications in solid oxide fuel cells. The effect of operating parameters on equilibrium composition has been examined focusing especially on hydrogen and carbon monoxide production, which are the fuels in this type of fuel cell. The temperature, steam to acetic acid ratio, and to a lesser extent pressure affect significantly the equilibrium product distribution due to their influence on steam reforming, thermal decomposition and water-gas shift reaction. The study shows that steam reforming of acetic acid with a steam to acetic acid ratio of 2 to 1 is thermodynamically feasible with hydrogen, carbon monoxide and water as the main products at the equilibrium at temperatures higher than 700 degrees C, and achieving CO/CO2 ratios higher than I. Thus, it can be concluded that within the operation temperature range of solid oxide fuel cells between 700 degrees C and 1000 degrees C - the production of a gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide is promoted. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.