Worldwide demand for fuel cells for green and high-efficiency power generation is growing to conserve fossil fuels, efficiently utilize renewable biogases, and reduce emissions of greenhouse and acid-rain precursors. FuelCell Energy (FCE) is meeting this growing demand for green power with its Direct Fuel Cell products (DFC~?). It is based on high-temperature internal-reforming carbonate fuel cell technology, operated at approximately 550-650°C, capable of achieving an electric simple-cycle efficiency approaching 50% (LHV). FCE has been engaged in DFC development since the mid-1970s and has advanced the technology by developing an in-depth understanding of the life and performance controlling factors, practical and low-cost solutions, and verification in multi-year field operations. The stack service life has been advanced to 5 years for the current generation, and improvements continue. In developing the DFC, extensive high-temperature material experiences such as oxidation and Cr effect, dual-atmosphere corrosion, redox stability, use of protective or conductive coatings, thermo-mechanical stress effect, etc. have been gathered. There are many similarities between DFC and SOFC in terms of operating conditions, performance, materials stability, cost and manufacturing. In this paper, DFC materials design considerations and experience will be discussed, explaining how the DFC experience could be applicable to the SOFC.
展开▼
