Fuel Cell Technologies Corp. (FCT, Kingston, ON) has disclosed that the 5 kW, solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) undergoing tests in Alaska in collaboration with the University of Alaska (UAF) and Fairbanks Natural Gas continues to perform satisfactorily. The system generates ac power at an electrical efficiency of approximately 40 percent. The system reliability is 100 percent over the last 4,320 hours, and the unit continues to operate without detectable deterioration.
"We estimate that there are in excess of 600,000 sites in remote parts of Canada where power is generated off-grid. The grid tie and grid-independent operation of this 5 kW SOFC confirms for FCT the opportunity to sell units into this large market," stated John Stannard, president of FCT. "The next phase of testing will involve using a variety of fuel choices, such as propane and methanol, which are important in areas where power is required from other than the conventional grid."
