Field Demonstration of a Novel Reversible SOFC System for Islanded Microgrid Energy Storage

Abstract

Boeing has developed a 50 kW DC reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) system that uses sunlight and sea water to generate and store energy with no logistical tail. In this system, renewable energy is sent to the system operating in electrolysis mode to produce H 2 . The H 2 is stored and then used in the system's fuel cell mode to provide power to the grid. As part of this program, Boeing has developed a H 2 storage and compression system, power distribution system, and master controller to interface with the fuel cell subsystem developed by Sunfire. The system was shipped to Pearl Harbor as part of a 6 month field demonstration supported by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC). This paper will discuss the demonstration of the RSOFC system in island microgrid environments and how it helps to address a logistic free hydrogen economy in remote areas.

Operating Principles, Performance and Technology Readiness Level of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

“…Taking only a few minutes, the system switched into fuel cell mode in order to provide the requested supplementary power during peak hours. Final tests were performed at the U.S. Navy base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, connecting the system to the island microgrid [91]. Two modules of 100 kW el guaranteed a hydrogen production of 50 Nm 3 h −1 with a system efficiency higher than 80%, whereas SOFC size was 50 kW el characterised by 60% performance.…”