| SOFC was largely discounted as a technology suitable for micro CHP due to its relative inflexibility to modulate power output and limitations in thermal cycling. However, the very high potential efficiency, the ability to internally reform fuel and other technical features may eventually make this the leading technology for micro CHP. | |||
| Sulzer Hexis | Ceramic Fuel Cells | Ceres Power | Acumentrics |
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The Sulzer unit is a SOFC in which excess gas
is burned within the fuel cell stack to allow a high degree of flexibility
in the thermal output. However, with an electrical output of 1kWe,
the actual electricity production from the unit tends to be relatively low
for an individual family house. This, combined with the extremely
high capital cost, means that the product faces significant challenges
before approaching economic viability.
In early 2006, Sulzer Hexis became insolvent and was apparently acquired by a venture capital company. Its future is uncertain. |
CFC were initially set up in Australia to
develop utility scale SOFC products, but have recently moved into the
domestic CHP market and have set up a base in the UK. CFC have supplied demonstration versions of their Netgen micro CHP package to energy utilities in Australia, New Zealand. and Germany. A number of potential configurations are possible although it is likely that the requirement to operate continuously may mean that it will operate to meet baseload thermal demand with a supplementary burner to meet variable heat requirements. Its ability to internally reform fuel supplied at normal pressures minimises parasitic losses and makes this potentially one of the most efficient micro CHP units of all in electrical terms. |
A UK based developer with a "low
temperature" SOFC using a supported membrane which claims to overcome
the challenges of thermal cycling. However, this also means that it
requires external reformation implying additional cost, complexity and
loss of efficiency.
Working with Centrica (British Gas) to exploit the UK market. |
Recently signed deal with MTS, an Italian boiler manufacture, to develop a tubular design SOFC which may offer fabrication advantages. |
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| For further details contact: | For further details contact: | ||
| Electrical
output
1.0kWe |
Electrical
output
1.0kWe |
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| Thermal output | |||
| Application
Multi-family homes |
Application
Individual family homes |
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| Availability
Field trials in DE, CH |
Availability
Design stage |
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