Current Projects
1. Upscaling of low cost solid oxide fuel cell stack, based on aqueous tape cast anode supported thin ceramic electrolyte cells, to 1kWel level and operated on carbon-based fuel (2003-2006).
This project is a continuation of the thin-film electroyte cell based SOFC system proof of concept (see Completed Projects #3) in which an SOFC stack of low cost and innovative design was demonstrated for 100 h to generate 100 W of electrical power from hydrogen input fuel with an efficiency of 25% and a volumetric power density of 1 kW/L. The project intends to upscale the stack size, first to 250 W, then to 500 W, and to switch from H2 fuel feed to simple carbon-based fuel (reformate), to achieve 33% efficiency. System aspects of stack operation control strategy and of carbon fuel preparation through catalysis are addressed. Cell and stack design, assembly & testing are coupled through numerical modeling and validation. This intense design and engineering effort relies on a multi-discipline, multi-level approach, combining the competence of 3 Laboratories at EPFL in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering with the expertise of HTceramix SA in SOFC development and innovation and with the knowledge of the High Performance Ceramics Division at EMPA in materials fabrication. EMPA cathode powder tested in HTceramix stacks significantly improves power density and durability.
Sponsored by the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) grant for the collaboration with EPFL and EMPA.
2. Development of an autonomous transportable SOFC system operating on C-based fuel (2006)
After the realisation of the core Lilith thermally integrated unit, it was decided to develop a complete autonomous transportable SOFC system. The goal of this project is to adapt the Lilith prototype to fulfill the requirements of education institutions. This involves developing stable operation with reformed fuels and integration of auxiliaries such as fans, electronic controls, and a display interface.
Supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE)
3. Development of a 500Wel HoTboxTM that optimally integrates with SOFConnexTM based stacks (2004-2006)
HTceramix has established a design concept of a HoTboxTM that optimally integrates a compact, monolithic heat exchanger with the SOFConnexTM based stack. The goals of this project are to optimally match the interfaces between the stack and the high temperature environment, including the heat exchangers and insulation, and to develop a simple high temperature control concept.
Supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE)
4. Demonstration of an SOFC stack fueled by biogas (2004-2006)
The objective of this project is to construct and demonstrate the operation of a 5-10 cell stack (50cm2 cell active area each) fed by biogas from the purification station of Morges, Switzerland producing 100Wel power.
Supported by Axpo Naturstrom Funds
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