Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Module Development for Fuel Flexible Power Generation

FuelCell Energy is developing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems and technology for very efficient, economically viable, coal-to-electricity power plants utilizing synthesis gas (syngas) from a coal gasifier for the Department of Energy Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program. SOFC technology development includes cell performance enhancement, stack building block scale-up, stack tower design and testing, and development of a 250 kW module accommodating multiple stack towers. The Baseline power plant system is designed to remove at least 90% of carbon in the syngas for sequestration as CO2, and is expected to achieve near-zero emissions to the environment. System optimization to achieve >55% electrical efficiency based on coal higher heating value has been completed. The SOFC power block layout and factory cost estimate have been generated for the Baseline power plant. In addition to the 500 MW (nominal) Baseline power plant system developed for the SECA program, a small-scale (>250 kW) Proof-of-Concept Module system is being developed.