Fuel Cell Tailored for Efficient Utilization of Methane
Technology Description:
Georgia Tech Research Corporation is developing a fuel cell that operates at temperatures less than 500°C by integrating nanostructured materials into all cell components. This is a departure from traditional fuel cells that operate at much lower or much higher temperatures. By developing multifunctional anodes that can efficiently reform and directly process methane, this fuel cell will allow for efficient use of methane. Additionally, the Georgia Tech team will develop nanocomposite electrolytes to reduce cell temperature without sacrificing system performance. These technological advances will enable an efficient, intermediate-temperature fuel cell for distributed generation applications.
Potential Impact:
If successful, Georgia Tech’s fuel cell will increase the commercial viability of fuel cell technologies for a wide range of emerging applications.
Security:
Enabling more efficient use of natural gas for power generation provides a reliable alternative to other fuel sources—a broader fuel portfolio means more energy security.
Environment:
Natural gas produces roughly half the carbon dioxide emissions of coal, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to existing sources of power generation.
Economy:
Distributed generation technologies would reduce costs associated with power losses compared to centralized power stations and provide lower operating costs due to peak shaving.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Scott Litzelman
Project Contact:
Prof. Meilin Liu
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
meilin.liu@mse.gatech.edu
Partners
University of Kansas
Related Projects
Release Date:
11/25/2013