High Efficiency, Low Cost & Robust Hybrid SOFC/IC Engine Power Generator
Technology Description:
The Colorado School of Mines (Mines) will develop a hybrid power generation system that leverages a pressurized, intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack and an advanced low-energy-content fuel internal combustion engine. In Phase II, the team will develop and test three SOFC sub-module building blocks (CERES Power and Mines) and then integrate them into a 100 kW-capable pressure vessel package, and develop efficiency-enhanced 2nd generation Kohler engine and balance-of-plant hardware, including novel, positive displacement rotating machinery from Air Squared; build a full-scale, high-efficiency inverter (Kohler Power Systems). Further, the team will build out the hybrid system test facility at Colorado State University and develop the necessary control system (Mines), and integrate the components and perform up to 1 year of integrated testing, demonstrating start-up, load-change, and steady-state operation at 70% efficiency. Finally, they will perform extended techno-economic analysis and develop technology-to-market plans with Kohler Power Systems, the commercialization partner.
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:
Economy:
These systems’ high efficiency and avoidance of electric grid transmission and distribution costs offer the potential for lower cost electric power.