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DOE OSTI · 1526714

LGFCS Prototype System Testing (Final Report)

DeBellis, Crispin L.
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Abstract

In the project, LGFCS assembled and tested its modular SOFC Power System that incorporates all critical technology improvements identified for its “product-like” demonstration. This product demonstrator is expected to meet customer and LGFCS performance expectations for operation, availability, durability and serviceability. The principal technology improvements are aimed at increasing the fuel cell power output and reducing the stack degradation rate. Improvements were also made for added system robustness and increased reliability. The objective of this program is to test a 250kWe thermally self-sustaining modular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) Power System for a minimum of 5,000 hours while advancing this commercial prototype product demonstrator to a Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 7. The SOFC system was tested on a site provided by Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio. System performance and degradation as well as cost estimates were compared to established SOFC Program performance metrics to assess progress. The major achievements were to assemble, and QA qualify 70 fuel cell strips for 12 integrated blocks into a fuel cell vessel and install it into a generator module with the fuel and power electronics modules on the test site. Performance to date included over 1800 hours on load at 250 KWAC to the grid with a DC efficiency of 61% and AC efficiency of 55%. Power degradation was less than 0.4% per 1000 hours and NOx emissions met standards. The LGFCS SOFC Prototype System (GEN0) was demonstrated in an operational environment and therefore achieving Technical Readiness Level 7. The work presented here represents the efforts of all the employees of LG Fuel Cell Systems. Their dedication and hard work made GEN0 possible and successful.

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03 NATURAL GAS20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION42 ENGINEERINGGrid Connection, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Prototype System TestingLGFCSNatural GasSOFCSOFC Demonstration SystemSolid Oxide Fuel Cell

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DeBellis, Crispin L.. 2019-06-11. LGFCS Prototype System Testing (Final Report). https://doi.org/10.2172/1526714

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