Advanced Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack for Hybrid Power Systems

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Program:
INTEGRATE
Award:
$13,680,354
Location:
Lewis Center, Ohio
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
05/24/2018 - 12/30/2024

Technology Description:

In Phase I of its project, Nexceris developed a compact, ultra-high efficiency solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack tailored for hybrid power systems. In Phase II, Nexceris is collaborating with Czero Solutions and Brayton Energy on designing and developing an ultra-high-efficiency power system that hybridizes an SOFC and a gas turbine. Nexceris will manage the project and lead SOFC technology development and stack production activities; Czero will serve as the system integrator; and Brayton will provide the gas turbine technology. The hybrid power system will operate on natural gas, with a 70% efficiency target based on the lower heating value of the fuel. The SOFC stacks for this system are based on Nexceris’ patented planar electrolyte supported cells and were designed for elevated pressure operation. The hybrid system will include multiple 10 kW-scale stacks housed within a pressure vessel to enable stack operation at elevated pressure and facilitate efficient hybridization with an appropriately sized gas turbine. The Phase II effort will culminate with a demonstration of a fully integrated 50-kW scale hybrid power system.

Potential Impact:

The INTEGRATE program is developing a new class of distributed and ultra-efficient (>70%) fuel to electric power conversion systems for commercial and industrial customers.

Security:

Distributed electrical generation systems can produce highly reliable and resilient electric power supplies.

Environment:

High electric efficiency and decreased reliance on combustion would result in lower greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. These systems also provide the opportunity for a faster and more economically viable transition to a carbon neutral power generation sector.

Economy:

These systems’ high efficiency and avoidance of electric grid transmission and distribution costs offer the potential for lower cost electric power.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. William Horak
Project Contact:
Dr. Scott Swartz
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
s.swartz@nexceris.com

Partners

Brayton Energy
Czero, Inc.

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Release Date:
07/26/2017