SOFCOMPACT. Compact, smart and robust fuel cells for high-demand stationary applications

The SOFCOMPACT project aims to develop an innovative green hydrogen conversion system for clean energy generation, based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with advanced materials and components. As part of the IDAE’s Incentive Program 4, this project proposes a disruptive design that enhances fuel cell efficiency, reduces the use of critical materials like cobalt (Co), and minimizes long-term degradation. Additionally, a 50 kW power system will be developed for high-demand stationary applications, fostering the scalability and competitiveness of this technology.

To achieve this, SOFCOMPACT will focus on the research and development of large planar cells made from advanced ceramic materials, free of critical elements, and their integration into modular stacks of up to 5 kW. An AI-based intelligent control system will be implemented for real-time monitoring and diagnostics of the SOFC system. Finally, a 50 kW prototype will be developed and validated in both controlled (experimental microgrid) and real-world environments, ensuring its robustness, compactness, and efficiency.

Therefore, the main challenges to be addressed in this type of application can be summarized as:

• Increasing the efficiency of SOFC systems.
• Reducing dependence on critical materials in SOFC technology.
• Scaling up manufacturing and increasing cell size.
• Reducing the long-term degradation of SOFC systems.
• Developing SOFC system diagnostics and degradation models.
• Implementing degradation models in control systems.

CENER will play a key role in the project, participating in several critical areas of research and development. In work package 1, it will collaborate in the production of new robust and high-capacity planar cells, incorporating innovative materials to enhance their performance and durability. In work package 2, it will lead the research for the production of high-capacity and long-lifespan stacks, developing models and simulations to optimize stack geometry and the distribution of reactants and currents, aiming to improve efficiency and long-term operation. The results of these simulations will enable the design and manufacture of robust stacks of at least 2 kW, and the optimization of volumetric and gravimetric energy density, with improvements of up to 25% compared to current devices. The characterization of the stacks will provide performance data, enabling the development of behavioral models and a methodology for testing the performance of fuel cells.

Finally, CENER will lead the integration and validation of the SOFC system in a microgrid. This phase will allow for the assessment of system performance and the validation of its potential for high-demanding stationary applications, contributing to the development of more efficient and scalable SOFC technologies.