Perspective view on the development of solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been regarded as efficient generation, combined heat and power (CHP), and hybrid systems. SOFC CHP systems for household application with an output of 700 W have been recently commercialized in Japan. The development of small household SOFC systems and generation units with a few 100 kW are also close to commercialization in the United States and Europe. An SOFC-gas turbine combined system has been successfully operated with high generation efficiency in Japan. For variety of commercial applications of SOFC in the future, durability and reliability of the SOFC stacks should be further assured. Development of SOFC units for mobile and portable applications has been carried out based on their excellent fuel flexibility and efficiency. In this overview, current status and future prospect of SOFC have been summarized.