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December 13, 2007 – Vol. 12 No.38 Acumentrics’ SOFC Fuel Cell Passes 50 Percent Efficiency Threshold. The tests in Japan open the door for the possibility of residential and large-scale solid oxide fuel cell units to be developed. In the testing an Acumentrics-Nippon Steel SOFC system demonstrated a net electrical efficiency of 52 percent DC (42 percent AC) in extended operation conducted as part of the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) program. “The achievement of over 50 percent electrical efficiency in a small scale system is well above what is achievable by similar sized diesel generator sets, which typically operate at an efficiency less than 30 percent,” said Acumentrics CTO and Senior Vice-President, Dr. Norm Bessette. The 52 percent net DC efficiency rate could represent a new record for generators smaller than 10kW, he noted. “Now that we have demonstrated this efficiency rate in a small system, broader use of SOFC fuel cell units for distributed residential power and heating, and for megawatt-size commercial and utility applications has moved within reach,” according to Bessette.
“Although hurdles remain in demonstrating operational longevity and equipment cost-reductions in large scale manufacturing, wider commercial viability is definitely coming into sight,” he added. The 8.8 kW system, which used Acumentrics’ tubular solid oxide technology, successfully completed 3,000 hours of operation fueled with natural gas using steam reforming to separate hydrogen from oxygen. Steam reforming, instead of partial oxidation, allows the system to achieve higher efficiencies according to the company. The SOFC development program, sponsored by NEDO, is aimed at facilitating the mass commercialization of SOFC technology. NEDO was established by the Japanese government in 1980 to develop new oil-alternative energy technologies. Acumentrics, of Westwood, Massachusetts, is developing, durable, fuel-flexible tubular ceramics-based (SOFC) fuel cell technology. (12/13/07) Links: Acumentrics NEDO
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