Engineering researchers test, analyze new solid-oxide fuel-cell design

A solid-oxide fuel-cell research collaboration involving the University of South Carolina’s College of Engineering and Computing, the NASA Glenn Research Center and ENrG Inc. will be highlighted at the 20th annual National Hydrogen Association Conference March 30 – April 3 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

“Solid-oxide fuel cells can use a wide range of fossil fuels to generate electrical power more efficiently and with less pollution than conventional means,” said researcher Dr. Frank Chen of the university’s department of mechanical engineering.

“Solid-oxide fuel cells also can generate hydrogen as an energy source to replace fossil fuels,” said Chen, who is working with Dr. Chris Xue and Dr. Ken Reifsnider, director of the university’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Program.

Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have developed a novel method for fabricating and stacking solid-oxide fuel cells to improve power and energy output. ENrG Inc., an industry leader in clean energy development, has an agreement with NASA to continue development of this method and commercialize this new technology, which could make the next generation of solid-oxide fuel cells more powerful and durable.

The University of South Carolina and ENrG Inc. have formed a partnership to advance this technology.

“This research collaboration links the resources of government, private industry and university scientists to develop clean energy systems for the future,” said Chen. “The supply of fossil fuels is diminishing, and the demand for energy is increasing. New energy sources are needed, and solid-oxide fuel cells show promise.”

During periods of low electrical demand, nuclear power plants are underutilized.

“By integration of this solid-oxide technology with the next-generation nuclear plant, hydrogen can be produced economically using high-temperature solid-oxide electrolyzers,” he said.

The hydrogen can then be transported to where clean energy is needed and the solid-oxide fuel cell can provide on-demand, on-site electrical power. Water is the byproduct of the process. The hydrogen power generated by solid-oxide fuel cells is clean compared to fossil fuels, which have been the world’s primary energy source, Chen said.

In between product design and commercialization is the critical juncture of testing and analysis. This involves the University of South Carolina researchers, who will create the facility to test and analyze these new solid-oxide fuel-cell stacks and systems manufactured by ENrG Inc. The researchers also will develop new materials and processes to improve performance and reliability and develop multi-physics models that can enhance the design and become a guide for manufacturing.

The research has implications for nuclear power, transportation, military and aviation, as well as and commercial and residential applications.

The researchers will have a scientific poster about the research program on display during the conference.

Visit http://engr.sc.edu to learn more about the university’s College of Engineering and Computing and http://www.engr.sc.edu/sofc/ for information on the university’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Program.

ENrG Inc. is a high-technology firm that specializes in the design, development and manufacture of critical ceramic components (ceramic membrane and coating technologies) for clean energy systems such as solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and gas-separation membranes. Other applications for the ceramic components include insulation packages for thermal management in energy systems, ceramic tapes, setters and liners and kiln furniture, cells and oxygen-transport membranes. ENrG’s strength is transitioning laboratory concepts into manufacturable products, and the company works with development groups at Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that require critical ceramic components for system performance. Visit www.enrg-inc.com.