Solid oxide fuel cell systems for power generation applications

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are being developed for a number of power generation applications. The SOFC technology under development at General Electric is based on a planar design that incorporates thin-electrolyte anode-supported cells fabricated by tape calendering and thin-foil metallic interconnects. For 5-kW systems based on this technology, the projected cost for the system when fully developed is below $400/kW. Current activities have been focused on system design and analysis, stack technology development including design, performance and life improvements, fuel processing assessment and evaluation, and thermal management and control subsystem development. This paper describes the system design concept and summarizes certain selected results obtained to date in the development of 5-kW SOFC power systems.