Background
For many years, the goal of efficient electricity generation at small scales with hydrocarbon fuels has been impractical due to heat loss and other challenges. Current approaches to electricity generation at small scales involve the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels to drive generators, which can be useful for remote or off-grid applications, but have a higher environmental impact. Batteries are an alternative and more sustainable choice for these applications, but can result in lower energy capacity due to their smaller size.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a small (<50W) thermally integrated passive solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that is lightweight and can achieve high electrical efficiency. This SOFC is 6 lbs. and can achieve over 20% electrical efficiency with an estimated specific energy exceeding 700 Wh/kg and power density exceeding 700 Wh/L for 72 consecutive hours. This technology incorporates key advances in reforming, heat recovery and robust design that are essential to creating the compact system which offers portable power applications, providing practicality especially for remote use.
Potential Applications:
- Outdoor recreation industry
- Military use
- Portable power & energy systems
Benefits and Advantages:
- Micro-scale thermal partial oxidation
- Robust SOFC design
- Heat recirculation
- Lightweight