Combined Heat and Power Applications of High Temperature Fuel Cells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2531Abstract
The importance of distributed generation (DG) devices in the
energy solution mix is well recognized. Recent advances in high tem-
perature fuel cell technology have resulted in their acceptance as reliable
sources of power in the DG marketplace. High temperature fuel cells
have electrical efficiencies that exceed conventional power generation
technologies in the same size range. The emissions signature of a fuel
cell is favorable when compared to other DG technologies. In addition
to the high electrical efficiency and low generation of criteria pollutants,
the high temperature exhaust gases from these fuel cells can be used to
drive a variety of combined heat and power (CHP) devices that may
not be accessible to other DG technologies.
The unique electrical power and thermal output characteristics of
high temperature fuel cells make them ideal candidates across many
applications. The high exhaust temperature provides the end-user with
the flexibility of generating steam, hot water or driving an indirect-fired
absorption chiller. This article will describe CHP characteristics of high
temperature fuel cells and some of the applications where they have
unique benefits: wastewater treatment plants, hospitals and data centers.
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