Comprehensive Review on Fuel Cell Technology for Stationary Applications as Sustainable and Efficient Poly-Generation Energy Systems

Abstract

Fuel cell technologies have several applications in stationary power production, such as units for primary power generation, grid stabilization, systems adopted to generate backup power, and combined-heat-and-power configurations (CHP). The main sectors where stationary fuel cells have been employed are (a) micro-CHP, (b) large stationary applications, (c) UPS, and IPS. The fuel cell size for stationary applications is strongly related to the power needed from the load. Since this sector ranges from simple backup systems to large facilities, the stationary fuel cell market includes few kWs and less (micro-generation) to larger sizes of MWs. The design parameters for the stationary fuel cell system differ for fuel cell technology (PEM, AFC, PAFC, MCFC, and SOFC), as well as the fuel type and supply. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of two main trends of research on fuel-cell-based poly-generation systems: tracking the market trends and performance analysis. In deeper detail, the present review will list a potential breakdown of the current costs of PEM/SOFC production for building applications over a range of production scales and at representative specifications, as well as broken down by component/material. Inherent to the technical performance, a concise estimation of FC system durability, efficiency, production, maintenance, and capital cost will be presented.

Recent Progress in the Design, Characterisation and Application of LaAlO3- and LaGaO3-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrolytes

“…The main fields of sustainable energy concern both the search for renewable energy sources [3][4][5] and methods for the production of ecological types of energy [6][7][8][9], which differ from traditional types based on hydrocarbon fuel [10][11][12]. The tasks relating to sustainable energy also include the development of technologies for the use of non-renewable energy sources: efficient waste-processing [13][14][15], the construction of nuclear mini-reactors [16], and the creation of energy devices based on the direct conversion of various types of energy into electrical and thermal energy [17][18][19]. A well-known device for directly converting the chemical energy of fuels into electrical energy is a fuel cell [19][20][21].…”

“…The tasks relating to sustainable energy also include the development of technologies for the use of non-renewable energy sources: efficient waste-processing [13][14][15], the construction of nuclear mini-reactors [16], and the creation of energy devices based on the direct conversion of various types of energy into electrical and thermal energy [17][18][19]. A well-known device for directly converting the chemical energy of fuels into electrical energy is a fuel cell [19][20][21]. If the electrolyte in the fuel cell is a ceramic material that is permeable to oxygen ions, it is referred to as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) [21][22][23][24][25].…”

Evaluation of Alternatives for Energy Supply from Fuel Cells in Compact Cities in the Mediterranean Climate; Case Study: City of Valencia

“…This is because they take advantage of pre-existing energy systems: gas distribution, electricity distribution, domestic thermal and electrical energy equipment. However, to date there is very little scientific literature on the real feasibility of implementing stationary fuel cells for residential demand, and on methods to calculate their performance [14].…”

Layered Oxygen-Deficient Double Perovskites as Promising Cathode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

“…Despite essential progress, which recently has been achieved in the development of individual SOFCs materials (electrolytes, anodes, cathodes, collectors, and sealants) [ 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ] and the production and testing of SOFCs [ 1 , 2 , 7 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], some urgent challenges still exist. One of the most important of these challenges is the search for, development of, and study of new electrode materials, which possess high stability, thermal and chemical compatibility, and improved electrochemical performance towards cathode and electrode reactions occurring in SOFCs.…”