Energy independence: On-site fuel cell systems operating on biofuels

Abstract

Our fuel cell is a high-temperature ceramic device that chemically converts hydrogen into electricity, requiring a little oxygen. The byproducts are water and heat. In order to turn it into something useful, we have to make our own hydrogen, generally by conversion of hydrocarbon fuels. Efficiency is maximized by recovering the heat and water and recycling the latter internally. We also look at the exhaust heat as a way to provide cogeneration and handle heat loads, which can cool as well as heat. And depending on the electrical loads we condition the power.