The Sulzer Hexis SOFC Series Product: A Technology Challenge

摘要

After a successful 3-year field test operation phase, Hexis has launched in late 2001 its pre-series product. This HXS1000 system shows for the first time real CHP operation for residential applications with overall efficiencies of approximately 85%. The system consists of a Hexis SOFC fuel cell including thermal management, a hot water storage (200 litres) and auxiliary burner for additional heat. Besides high efficiency and reliability, cost is a determinant factor for a market viable product. Therefore Hexis started development of a series product which should be ready for market entry in 2004/2005. The main topics in development are (1) more systems integration, (2) reduced component costs and (3) flexibility for new fuels and new applications. The main characteristics of the system are (1) CPO as fuel processor, (2) radial thermal management of the fuel cell stack, (3) highly integrated burner for additional heat and (4) exhaust gas/water heat exchanger as heat sink. The system will be compact and significantly lighter allowing it to be mounted on a wall. It will be coupled to a separate hot water circulation and water storage unit. The system will have in maximum 1 kW electrical and 20 kW thermal power output.