Investigation of Initial SOFC Market in Japan

Abstract

Marketability for small SOFC systems in Japan is investigated. Output capacity of 1~100 kW for the SOFC system is considered as an appropriate market entry size to avoid competition with low price Diesel engine generators (DEG) whose capacities are generally more than 100kW. At first, size of a Japanese small co-generation and water heater markets are confirmed to estimate market size and installing price for small SOFCs. Next, advantage of SOFCs for household use is investigated by comparing with conventional small cogenerations and water heaters. Third, possibility of installing SOFCs to convenience stores (CVSs) and small to medium size food manufacturers is investigated considering typical business unit size, heat demand and operating time of these businesses. From the result of this research, the possibility and problems to install SOFCs for household use and such small commercial use are clarified.