Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)
Most fuel cells, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, require pure hydrogen gas as a fuel source and are unable to process more conventional fuels without a reforming process. One reason is because these fuels often contain sulfur, which can damage the internal structure of the fuel cell and its catalysts and otherwise complicate the reaction process. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are uniquely able to accept many different types of fuels including catalytically reformed natural gas, coal gas, methanol, biogas, aviation fuel, JP-8 (a jet fuel), and diesel in addition to hydrogen gas.
SOFCs are able to achieve fuel flexibility through a number of innovative adaptations. SOFCs operate at a high internal temperature and utilize a solid ceramic core, as opposed to a polymer core which most other fuel cells utilize. This allows efficient energy extraction even with more complex fuels. In addition, SOFCs integrate a sulfur filter and a catalytic reformer in their design. These prime the fuels for reaction. In addition, the sulfur filter minimizes the environmental impact of emissions of the SOFC.
Efficient Energy Generation
Compared to traditional fuel generators, SOFCs are more efficient at extracting the energy from the inputted fuel. More efficient energy extraction means less fuel cost, less overall weight, and less pollution of the environment. They also retain many of the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells, such as being quiet and better for the environment than comparable generators.