Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Background
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology is able to achieve over 60% electrical efficiency and over 85% CHP (Combined Heat & Power) efficiency at a system level. This technology has the potential revolutionise the power generation sector and complement renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Another advantage of the SOFC technology is that it is multi-fuel compatible meaning, it is able to use an array of fuels (both gases & liquids). However, building and operating SOFC systems is not common knowledge.
The key questions that will be delved here are the following:
How does a system architecture look like when one wants to build and develop these systems?
Which are the most promising applications for SOFC and what does it take to build such systems?
Why are these systems not widely deployed if they have such great potential?
Which fuels are actually viable for SOFC systems?
Related Insights
22.6.24
Are SOFCs fuel flexible?
Key finding:
While SOFCs are technically compatible with six fuel types - including hydrogen, natural gas, biogas, syngas, methanol, and ammonia; practical constraints around stack direct-feed capability, fuel purity requirements, and real-world availability narrow the viable options to just two: hydrogen and natural gas. Fuel selection is one of the most consequential system design decisions for any SOFC system deployment.