Giovanni Brunaccini

An Electrochemical Study of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Operating at Intermediate Temperature for Distributed Generation Applications

Abstract A state-of-the-art Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IT-SOFC) stack was investigated. The stack was a pre-commercial one, with a nominal power output of 600W. The study was focused on the electrical performance and the possible thermal energy recovery. Moreover, to evaluate the technology limitations for Distributed Generation (DG) applications, a 15 h test cycle with slow electrical power variation was performed. At the end of the tests, it was envisaged the capability of proper energy conversion efficiency. This technology appears promising for the high conversion efficiency of natural gas chemical energy into electrical energy, with proper perspectives for distributed generation.

Development of a SOFC Hybrid System

With new technologies emerging and the existing ones evolving, the basis for having large centralised Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants is slowly diminishing. Beside the increasing energy demand and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, the use of smaller decentralised CHP plants is becoming more interesting. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), thanks to their fuel flexibility (hydrogen, natural gas, propane, etc), are suitable to the above mentioned aims. From a storage point of view, in order to ensure increasing penetration of technologies related to renewable energies in decentralized generation, innovative devices that permit storage of energy must be considered. The most effective solution is the combination of renewable energies and secondary batteries. The paper explores the benefit of a hybrid system which combines the SOFC technology and a high temperature battery in a first step of the development process. A proper strategy is proposed using simulation and experimental results.

Electrochemical energy storage mitigating impact of electric vehicle on the electric grid: Two Italian case studies

In the framework of the Italian R&D project i-Next two pilots plants were realized aiming at demonstrate benefits coming from the adoption of electrochemical energy storages (Lithium ion batteries and hydrogen) integrated with renewable energy sources. In the present study the preliminary results coming from the demo sites operations are reported paying attention to the impacts to the grid.