Status of Molten-Carbonate Fuel-Cell Program

摘要

The Department of Energy (DOE) is sponsoring a program to develop molten-carbonate fuel cells. These advanced fuel cells promise coal-to-bus-bar efficiencies of about 50% and are environmentally very attractive. Although oil and gas can be used as fuel with up to 60% efficiency, the main application is anticipated in conjunction with coal gasifiers. DOE's strategy is to help industrial corporations to develop the basic hardware to a point where users and vendors can undertake the risk of commercialization. At present, stacks of small (about .1 m exp 2 ) cells have been run and commercial scale (1.4 m exp 2 ) electrolyte structures have been fabricated. Commercial-size cells are scheduled to run in 1981, with short stacks of cells in 1982 and full commercial size stacks in 1984. Power-plant systems have been defined to guide development. Cogeneration applications are being planned. Component costs and cell-life are nearing the goal required for commercial applications. (ERA citation 08:026531)