Source: (
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ARPA-E Award:
$5,250,000
Location:
Fulton, MD
Project Term:
10/01/2014 to 09/30/2017
Project Status:
ACTIVE
Website:
www.redoxpowersystems.com (link is external)
Technical Categories:
Stationary Generation
Critical Need:
Centralized power generation systems offer excellent economy of scale but often require long transmission distances between supply and distribution points, leading to efficiency losses throughout the grid. Additionally, it can be challenging to integrate energy from renewable energy sources into centralized systems. Fuel cells--or devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel source into electrical energy--are optimal for distributed power generation systems, which generate power close to where it is used. Distributed generation systems offer an alternative to the large, centralized power generation facilities or power plants that are currently commonplace. There is also a need for small, modular technologies that convert natural gas to liquid fuels and other products for easier transport. Such processes are currently limited to very large installations with high capital expenses. Today's fuel cell research generally focuses on technologies that either operate at high temperatures for grid-scale applications or at low temperatures for vehicle technologies. There is a critical need for intermediate-temperature fuel cells that offer low-cost, distributed generation both at the system and device levels.
Project Innovation + Advantages:
Redox Power Systems is developing a fuel cell with a mid-temperature operating target of 400°C while maintaining high power density and enabling faster cycling. Current fuel cell systems are expensive and bulky, which limits their commercialization and widespread adoption for distributed generation and other applications. Such state-of-the-art systems consist of fuel cells that either use a mixture of ceramic oxide materials that require high temperatures (~800°C) for grid-scale applications or are polymer-based technology with prohibitive low temperature operation for vehicle technologies. By combining advanced materials that have traditionally been unstable alone, Redox will create a new two-layer electrolyte configuration incorporating nano-enabled electrodes and stable ceramic anodes. The use of these materials will increase system power density and will have a startup time of less than 10 minutes, making them more responsive to demand. Redox is also developing a new fuel processor system optimized to work with their low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. This new material configuration also allows the operating temperature to be reduced when incorporated into commercially fabricated fuel cells. These advances will enable Redox to produce a lower cost distributed generation product, as well as to enter new markets such as embedded power for datacenters.
Impact Summary:
If successful, Redox's low temperature fuel cells will integrate a new two-layer electrolyte configuration that will reduce cost and increase lifetime and reliability.
Security:
Enabling more efficient use of natural gas for power generation provides a reliable alternative to other fuel sources--a broader fuel portfolio means more energy security.
Environment:
Natural gas produces roughly half the carbon dioxide emissions of coal, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to existing sources of power generation.
Economy:
Distributed generation technologies would reduce costs associated with power losses compared to centralized power stations and provide lower operating costs due to peak shaving.
Contacts
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. John Lemmon
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov (link sends e-mail)
Project Contact:
Dr. Bryan Blackburn
bryan@redoxpowersystems.com (link sends e-mail)
Partners
Trans-Tech, Inc.
University of Maryland
