FUEL PROCESSING DEVELOPMENT AT GLOBAL THERMOELECTRIC INC

摘要

Global Thermoelectric Inc. is developing low cost, low temperature (650-700℃) solid oxide fuel cell systems for applications including residential cogeneration, automotive APU, and remote power generation. This paper describes the status of fuel processing technology at Global and achieved results. For stationary applications, prototype systems based on both steam and partial oxidation reforming of natural gas have been built. For residential cogeneration, indirect steam reformation is preferred. This results in high electrical efficiency, and provides the stack with a high fuel (H_2 / CO) content anode feed. The high efficiency is beneficial in supporting economics in competitive residential heating and electrical supply markets. Meanwhile, for remote systems where reliability and low maintenance are paramount and extreme environmental conditions exist, partial oxidation is favored as water management can be eliminated.