Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Basics

• A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an electrochemical conversion device that produces electricity directly from oxidizing a fuel
• Fuel cells are characterized by their electrolyte material and, as the name implies, the SOFC has a solid oxide, or ceramic, electrolyte
• Advantages of this class of fuel cells include high efficiencies, long term stability, fuel flexibility, low emissions, and cost (cost is debatable, need more research on that bit?)
• The largest disadvantage is the high operating temperature which results in longer start up times and mechanical/chemical compatibility issues.
  • The higher operating temperature make SOFCs suitable candidates for application with engines/power sources that reach a similar temperature, such as Internal Combustion Engines , especially if they use the same fuel such as CNG

COTS Options

WATT Fuel Cell

• A company making Propane and CNG fed SOFCs for Residential and RV Markets Primarily
• LIMITED availability now, probably more widespread in 2025; factories are being ramped up

RedHawk Energy Systems

• A company making SOFC generators which seem marketed at remote electronics in infrastructure such as Grade Crossings etc

Internal Links

• Fuel Cell
• Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell / Solid Oxide Electrolysis (Essentially a SOFC, but in reverse)
  • Also see Reversible Fuel Cell

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
• An article titled "Following Bloom Energy News"
• A Segment CBS' "60 Minutes" discussing The Bloom Energy Box
• An article titled "Finally, a robust fuel cell that runs on methane at practical temperatures"