The 3kW Demonstration System includes two staxera integrated stack modules (ISM). On the gas side they are connected in parallel and are supplied from the same gas and air lines. A separate electrical load is provided for each ISM, allowing individual control. The construction of the Demonstration System allows a fast and easy exchange of the ISM modules. At this stage the system is operating with two 1.1 kW ISMs, and will be upgraded to two 1.5 kW ISMs when they become available.

The Demonstration System operates on natural gas, which is processed using steam reforming in order to maximize electrical efficiency. The unit can be operated in manual or semi-automated mode to provide full access to all operational parameters. Thereby maximal knowledge of the operation of SOFC stacks and systems can be gained.

All hot components such as the reformer, air and gas pre-heater and evaporator are highly integrated within an innovative process design: the system can be operated down to 50% part load; each ISM has an individual temperature control; and the system can be rapidly heated up owing to the tight integration between the afterburner and the air heat exchanger.

Key Features

• Electrical power output: about 2500 Wnet
• System efficiency: 35-40 %el
• Stack efficiency: max. 50 %el

Basic Components

• Steam reforming with precious metal based pre-reformer
• Desulphurizer
• Evaporator
• Fuel pre-heater
• Reformate heat exchanger
• Two zone porous media start-up and afterburner
• Heat recovery unit