Gas Technology Institute Summer 2002 Journal (excerpt)
Versa Power Systems to Market Reduced-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Versa Power Systems, Inc. (VPS), a joint venture of GTI, EPRI, the University of Utah, and Materials and Systems Research, Inc. (MSRI), has identified several potential near-term markets in the natural gas industry for using a reduced-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (RT-SOFC) system to provide remote power.
Established in September 2001, VPS has assembled a staff of experts in start-up management, fuel cell power system engineering, manufacturing scale-up, and fuel cell stack material science to deliver the RT-SOFC to these markets within the next few years.
For gas utilities, fuel cell applications include power for district regulator, metering, and telemetry equipment. For pipelines, RT-SOFC systems can provide power for SCADA and cathodic protection equipment. Applications for producers include power production at the wellhead. Beyond the gas industry, potential markets include stationary and auxiliary power for recreational vehicles, and remote power for telecommunications systems.
“We’re very excited about the future of Versa Power,” says Bob Stokes, GTI’s Vice President, R&D, and President, VPS. “We have experts on-board who have dealt with every phase of fuel cell product development and have the capabilities to bring the technology to the next stage, commercial introduction.”
The proprietary intellectual property of VPS, mutually developed and owned by the joint venture partners, includes a patented planar, solid oxide fuel cell system that uses a unique cell configuration and components designed to enable operation at much lower temperatures than traditional solid oxide fuel cells.
"The operation of the RT-SOFC allows for the incorporation of stainless-steel components into the system, rather than the more expensive ceramic materials typically needed to withstand higher temperatures,” says Bob Remick, GTI’s Associate Director, High-Temperature Fuel Cells. “By using a nickel-based anode as the main structural element, we are taking a significant step toward reducing materials costs.”
Researchers note that the proprietary VPS system design provides a path to the highest net electrical efficiency of any simple-cycle power generating system. At the same time, it provides heat for cogeneration of hot water, steam, and customer-specific process applications. “This capability ensures entry into the 50kW to 1,000kW commercial and industrial cogeneration market,” says Remick.
As part of the company’s commercialization plan, VPS will continue to seek additional investment to enhance and market the RT-SOFC.
Contact:
For more information, Robert Stokes, GTI’s Vice President, R&D, and President, Versa Power Systems, Inc. (847/768-0818; robert.stokes@gastechnology.org).
gastechnology.org ... original with cool pictures
Background GTI RTSOFC information ... FUEL CELLS: from promise to performance ... griweb.gastechnology.org
i.m.h.o.
The type of fuel cell GLE built their 20 MW/year manufacturing pilot plant for is well on it's way to becoming the industry standard bearer for a very long time. |
