Development of Intermediate-temperature SOFC Modules and Systems

Abstract

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. have been jointly developing intermediate- temperature SOFCS as stationary power generation units since 2001. High performance cells based on lanthanum gallate electrolyte and a unique seal-less cell-stack design enable high efficiency operation. The 4th generation module with internal manifolds was developed and the electrical efficiency of 54% HHV on DC output was achieved in 2005. The first long- term durability test using town gas for fuel over 4000hrs was ended recently and its voltage degradation rate was about 0.5%/1000hrs. In parallel to 1kW module development efforts, scaling-up of the module toward 10kW-class has been successfully done and the electrical efficiency of 50% HHV on DC output was achieved in 2006. Fabrication of the 10kW-class CHP system is under progress and will be finished by the end of FY2006. The field test of this system is scheduled in FY2007.