Technology Overview
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that offers a better way of producing electricity than traditional power generating technologies. Fuel cells are highly efficient, quiet and do not produce harmful emissions. A wide array of fuel cell technologies are currently under development around the world, aimed at satisfying different segments of the energy market. These fuel cells generally exhibit an electrical efficiency of upward of 50%, as opposed to typical internal combustion engines with an efficiency of only approximately 25%.
While most types of fuel cells are still years away from large-scale commercial use, Solid Cell’s SOFC’s (solid-oxide fuel cells) are the best near term prospect to provide clean electricity in a number of segments of the energy market. SOFC’s do not require pure hydrogen and can use virtually any gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon-based fuel. They are manufactured from inexpensive ceramics and metals, requiring no expensive materials such as nafion membranes or platinum catalysts. SOFC’s are also able to withstand significantly higher levels of sulfur than other types of fuel cells.