Development of a High-Efficiency, Low-Cost Hybrid SOFC/Internal Combustion Engine Power Generator

Abstract

The unique and beneficial characteristics of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology hold much promise for their eventual widespread adoption in numerous residential and commercial building applications. Nevertheless, cost and durability challenges remain that currently limit SOFC technology penetration in stationary energy applications. Under the U.S. DOE ARPA-E INTEGRATE program, the Colorado School of Mines and it partners are developing a novel hybrid stationary power system comprised of an intermediate temperature (600°C), metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell stack (from Ceres Power) integrated with a high efficiency stationary engine and novel balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment. In collaboration with Colorado State University, Kohler Power Systems, and Air-Squared, Inc., the project aims to demonstrate a system that can generate power (125 kW) from natural gas at high electric efficiency (>70%-LHV), and low cost (<900 $/kW). Project development activities on the hybrid SOFC/IC engine system development and requirements are presented and discussed, including experimental results from critical balance-of-plant equipment and techno-economic outlook. Figure 1