The Components of a Rolls-Royce 1 MW SOFC System

Abstract

Progress at Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (RRFCS) continues towards demonstration of a 250 kW generator module for launch of a 1 MW pressurized SOFC hybrid system for stationary power generation. This paper describes recent progress on demonstration of the SOFC system, both as individual components - core cell and stack technology, the turbogenerator, packaging, and, crucially, the progress on building these components together into a functional hybrid Generator Module and system. The establishment of a truly global engineering team with skills and experience across the range of technologies required has been crucial to the development of the overall system with a view to cost effective manufacture, system simplicity and realistic fuel availability. Efficiency and key system components are discussed, together with design evolution as the technology moves towards a commercial product.