FY 2002

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Development of an Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
- Launching the development of the world's first 50-kW commercial unit as a flat-type SOFC -

September 30, 2002

In a joint effort with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (based at 5-1, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, under President Takashi Nishioka), we have begun developing the world's first 50-kW commercial unit as a flat-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC*1). In 2003 we will initiate evaluation testing of a 50-kW SOFC cogeneration system prior to commercialization.

The SOFC is made entirely of ceramic materials and operates at the highest temperature (1000ºC) compared with all other fuel cells. Consequently, it not only achieves high generation efficiency, but also uses high-temperature exhaust heat to generate steam and meet the demand for cryogenic power generation. This is why the SOFC is so promising as a commercial cogeneration system that ranges from a few dozen to a few hundred kW. Moreover, as internal reforming*2 occurs in the SOFC, the need for a fuel reformer is eliminated and fuel cell size is thus reduced. Durability is also improved because there is no liquid substance in the fuel cell.

SOFC systems come in two shapes: flat and cylindrical. Since 1990, we have been working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop our original mono-block layer built (MOLB*3) SOFC. This flat-type SOFC system achieved a world-best output of 15 kW and 7,500-hours of operation in 2000. By capitalizing on the results we have achieved thus far, we now plan to develop the world's first flat-type SOFC cogeneration system that can provide electric power and heat (via steam).

< Targeted performance >

We plan to complete the first SOFC cogeneration system in 2003 and test its operation at our Electric Power Research and Development Center prior to putting it to practical use. By building various types of SOFC units ranging from 50 kW to 200 kW (based on the developed 50 kW unit), we will also work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to commercialize SOFC units as an important tool for solving energy problems.