Top Rounded Image
02 July 2010 Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy

Solid oxide fuel cell prototypes expected by 2012

A SOFC fuel cell is inspected. Fuel cells hold the potential for cleaner and more effective electrical power generation. The fuel cell research and development at Risø National Laboratory is centred on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) where Risø is at the forefront internationally
A SOFC fuel cell is inspected. Fuel cells hold the potential for cleaner and more effective electrical power generation. The fuel cell research and development at Risø National Laboratory is centred on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) where Risø is at the forefront internationally.
Image Credit: Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy.

The Danish company Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S and Risø DTU have received a grant of 54.5 million DKK from the Danish Energy Agency’s Programme for Energy Technology Development and Demonstration (EUDP). This will ensure that the current efforts within solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) will be continued, leading to prototypes in 2012 which meet market demands for efficiency, life time and price.

A technology meeting energy and climate challenges

The solid oxide fuel cell is a technology for more efficient power production. Compared to traditionel technologies SOFCs have a higher efficiency, lower noise and lower emissions of, e.g., CO2. They work by transforming the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity.

The SOFC technology will help meet Danish energy and climate policy goals, and it will play a key role in the future intelligent and decentralized power grid. The fuel cells can react rapidly to varying loads, and their great flexibility makes it possible to utilize a number of different fuels such as natural gas, biogas and bioethanol.

Research and industry in a fruitful collaboration

For a decade the Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division at Risø DTU has had a close collaboration with Topsoe Fuel Cell on the development of fuel cell technology. This has led to major technological advances. The new project will allow the partners to continue the collaboration within the development and demonstration needed to bring the technology to the commercial market.

A market-oriented project

The new project will be more directly market-oriented compared to previous SOFC projects.

Topsoe Fuel Cell will develop prototypes for specific product market. An external sounding board with representatives from independent energy companies and end-users will ensure a continued focuses on the market demands.

Risø contributes to the project with expertise within cell development and manufacture. Key tasks will be the manufacture of fuel cells with higher performance and longer durability, and the development of cheaper and more environmentally friendly production processes.

Source: Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy /...

Previous Story: Mass production of polymer solar cells stems from intensive research
Next Story: New shape memory alloys with unprecedented stability

Bookmark and Share

Leave a Comment

The Institute of Nanotechnology puts significant effort into ensuring that the information provided on its news pages is accurate and up-to-date. However, we cannot guarantee absolute accuracy. Consequently, the Institute of Nanotechnology disclaims any and all responsibility for inaccuracy, omission or any kind of deficiency in relation to the news items and articles hosted herein.

Bottom Rounded Image