SOLID OXIDE FUEL-CELL DEVELOPMENTS AT WESTINGHOUSE

Since 1958 Westinghouse has carried out research activities to develop solid oxide technology. Past activities have been well published and presented. This paper will present recent activities carried out at Westinghouse concentrating on the last several years. During this period, individual cell performance has exceeded 20 000 h of operation, while bundle and small generator performance has exceeded 5000 h of operation. Cells, bundles and generators up to 20 kW have been operated using pipeline natural gas. Cells of 50 cm length are now routinely made in small production campaigns while 77 cm long cells have been made in the laboratory. Production of 100 cm cells will be initiated this year. Two 25 kW generators are currently in production for delivery late this year and early next year. These units will be shipped to Japan for testing by Japanese electric and gas utilities. This paper will provide data and descriptions of the testing and details of the evolution of tubular solid oxide fuel cell generator design.