Progress towards realizing distributed power generation with highly efficient SOFC systems

— Development and standardization of performance evaluation methods targeting early market-entry of SOFC systems —

Abstract

For solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) that are expected to be highly-efficient distributed power generation systems, establishing performance evaluation methods and their standardization are important for early market entry and fair trade. For this purpose, we have developed high-precision performance evaluation methods and test apparatuses to measure power generation performance of SOFC cells, stacks, and systems. These methods were achieved by combination of elemental technologies and tools, such as commercial measuring instruments, precise flowmeters and reference materials that are traceable to national standards, and catalysis technology. The performance and usefulness of the test apparatuses developed in cooperation with SOFC manufacturers and others were evaluated. Our activities, mainly on JIS standardization of power generation efficiency test methods, are also presented.