Development of Natural Gas Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cells at Versa Power Systems

Dennis Prediger and Brian Borglum
Versa Power Systems, Calgary, AB

Versa Power Systems (Calgary, AB) is a leading developer of natural gas fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for clean electric power generation. Fuel cells are devices that electrochemically convert the latent energy of a fuel into electricity. SOFCs distinguish themselves from other types of fuel cells in that they operate at high temperature (approximately 725°C). This allows SOFCs to use hydrocarbon fuels directly, which is important because for the foreseeable future today's hydrocarbon fuel infrastructure will be the only economic source of fuel for fuel cells. While the reformation of a hydrocarbon fuel such as natural gas is endothermic and requires heat, the conversion of chemical energy to electricity in the stack is exothermic and releases heat. A thermally integrated SOFC system is achieved by co-locating the reformer and the SOFC stack within the hot zone of the system.

The goal of SOFC development at Versa Power Systems is to commercialize low-cost SOFCs for stationary power applications ranging in product size from 3 to 10 kilowatts for applications up to 100 kilowatts. Initial applications will be stationary and the systems will provide continuous prime or supplemental power. The main benefits that will be provided by the systems will be high efficiency, low emissions, low noise, and low maintenance compared to comparably sized genset solutions. Early adopter segments exist in all of the main market segments including remote industrial, commercial and light industrial. This paper highlights the current status of Versa Power Systems SOFC technology.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005