Development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells at Versa Power Systems and FuelCell Energy

Abstract

Versa Power Systems (VPS) is a developer of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for clean power generation and is a wholly owned subsidiary of FuelCell Energy (FCE). FCE is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) power plants. From an economic perspective, MCFCs scale-up very well and as a result FCE’s MCFC products are in the multi-megawatt size range. SOFCs are complementary because they scale-down well and hence are suited to sub-megawatt applications. This paper highlights the status of VPS and FCE’s SOFC technology in the areas of cell, stack and system development.