SOFC technology development at Rolls-Royce

Fuel cells have the prospect for exploiting fossil fuels more benignly and more efficiently than alternatives. The various types represent quite diffe rent technologies, with no clear winner, yet. Nevertheless, the high temper ature MCFC and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) types seem better suited to pow er generation in a hydrocarbon fuel economy. Presently, the coals of MCFCs and SOFCs are too high to compete directly with contemporary power generati on plant. Seeking to overcome the drawbacks of first generation fuel cells, over the past 7 years an innovative second generation SOFC concept has bee n evolved in the Rolls-Royce Strategic Research Centre, with encouraging re sults. It is distinguished from other types by the name: Integrated Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IP-SOFC). It is a family of integrated system concep ts supporting product flexibility with evolutionary stretch potential from a common SOFC module. Fabrication of the key component of the IP-SOFC, the "multi-cell membrane electrode assembly (multi-cell MEA) module" carrying m any series connected cells with supported electrolyte membranes only 10 to 20 mu m thick, has been proved. Development of the internal reforming subsy stem, the next big hurdle, is now in hand. Following an outline of its sali ent features and test results, the methodology and results of recent IP-SOF C stack costing studies are presented, and the continuing research and deve lopment programme indicated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights rese rved.