Progress in direct carbonate fuel cell for distributed generation

Abstract

Worldwide demand for electricity has been growing rapidly. Recent rolling blackouts in California and anticipated power shortages in many regions have highlighted the urgent need for low-cost, efficient, and clean power. The demand for power can be fulfilled through traditional central power stations, or distributed generation at or near the customer site. Distributed power generation is being increasingly favored for high reliability, combined heat and power production, permitting, and other benefits. Direct carbonate fuel cells being developed by FuelCell Energy provide an attractive alternative for efficient, cost-effective and clean distributed generation. The technology has been verified in 250 kW size building block stacks and several commercial field trials have been planned for 2001. Manufacturing facilities and strategic alliances are also being developed. In parallel, at national and international level interconnection requirements, codes and standards are being developed to facilitate introduction of fuel cell power plants.