Challenges and Opportunities for Fuel Cells in Stationary Power Generation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2032Abstract
Fuel cell power systems are considered attractive for a wide range
of stationary power generation applications including residential, com-
mercial, and industrial distributed generation, as well as large utility
power plants. The current interest in fuel cell systems stems from their
potential for high efficiency (lower heating value (LHV) efficiencies of
35-70 percent, depending on technology and system capacity). In addi-
tion, fuel-cell technology has demonstrated very low (truly negligible)
emission levels and has noise characteristics similar to air-conditioning
systems (i.e., mostly air-moving equipment). Routine maintenance of
fuel cells has the potential for being minimal even in low-capacity sys-
tems because there are no heavily loaded mechanical subsystems re-
quired (unless compressors are required for pressurized operation).
Four primary fuel cell technologies are being developed for station-
ary applications.
• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC);
• Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC);
• Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC); and
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC).
The past two decades have seen impressive advancements in the
science and technology of these fuel-cell power systems. Excellent dis-
cussions of the science and technology of all the major types of fuel cells,
recent developments and remaining technical challenges can be found in references [1-2].
We address the end-user economics of fuel cell systems for station-
ary applications using planar, 5-kW anode-supported SOFC technology
as an example. Planar SOFC is receiving a great deal of attention as part
of both government—the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA)
program—and industry initiatives. The increasing interest in planar
SOFC is the result, in large part, to technology developments (anode-
supported thin-film electrolyte designs) in which the total ohmic resis-
tance of the stack is significantly reduced allowing for lower-temperature
operation (650 °C-800°C rather than 1000 °C) than was previously the
case.
We also discuss the important cost elements that determine the cost
of electricity from fuel cell power systems including factory, material,
installation, and operating and maintenance (O&M) costs. We assess the
impact of success in ongoing R&D programs on the cost of electricity.
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References
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