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Ceres Power's SteelCell low-temperature metal-supported SOFC technology has historically been developed to meet the requirements of 1kW e -scale micro-CHP applications. The maturity and outstanding performance demonstrated for that application means Ceres is now deploying SteelCell technology in higher power systems with partners for stationary power and automotive applications. Multiple development streams are being pursued to achieve the objectives of high efficiency (60%) and long life needed for prime power applications. This paper will discuss the progress being made to demonstrate the improvements to the fuel cell design to enhance efficiency, life, volumetric power density and fuel utilization consistent with the requirements of larger power generation units, including the development of integrated compact 5kW e stacks, power degradation rates of <0.2%/kh, DC stack efficiency of >65% and complete internal steam reforming of methane without an external reformer.

Ceres Power has active commercial programs at 1kWe, 5kWe, 10kWe and 10’s of kWe. To support higher power applications Ceres has developed an innovative 5kWe-class stack design which can be used in an array to achieve higher power outputs for both stationary power and commercial vehicle applications. The stack incorporates learning from multiple development cycles and tens of thousands of hours of testing the mature 1kWe SteelCell® stack design, with several significant design improvements. This stack design has been successfully incorporated into several different customer’s systems, with outstanding electrical efficiency and mechanical robustness demonstrated, the latter facilitating the use of an SOFC stack for transportation applications.

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