Development of Residential SOFC CHP System with Flatten Tubular Segmented-In-Series Cells Stack

Abstract

Since 2004, stationary SOFC CHP systems using flatten tubular segmented-in-series (FT-SIS) cells stacks have been developed by Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Gastar Co., Ltd., Rinnai Corporation and Kyocera Corporation to construct small-scale CHP systems which excel in performance and durability. In 2008, we have succeeded in producing a residential system which consists of a power generation unit using FT-SIS cells stacks and a heat recovery unit. Electric power and hot water are produced efficiently in the system, and by adopting electric load following operation, the produced energy is supplied to the residence with minimal loss. Since 2009, we have installed the systems into residences to collect operation data under practical use conditions. A part of the tests are conducted under NEDO SOFC Demonstration Program. From the operational data, environmentally-enhancing potentials and superior durability of the FT-SIS SOFC systems are verified.