|
 NanoDynamics Energy, Inc. has developed a microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), Revolution® 50, with an extremely high power density and energy efficiency that has also demonstrated thermal shock tolerance and operational durability. Many portable power applications are supported by conventional batteries which do not provide the ever increasing demand for long duration power. The NanoDynamics Energy, Inc. SOFC can provide long duration power with 5 times the energy density for multi day use applications. Incorporating microtubular cell technology and a hybrid power regime, the benefits of rapid start up and utilization of a variety of hydrocarbon based fuel, such as propane, methane, ethanol, as well as diesel and jet fuels are realized. These high energy dense fuel sources enable long operating times and instant recharge ability for a wide range of portable applications such as soldier power, portable lighting, advertising displays, and marine systems, where weight, volume, and type of fuel are all critical considerations.
The market for alternative energy generating devices, such as fuel cells, is developing rapidly. US fuel cell demand is projected to grow tenfold to $1.1 billion in 2008 as technology and economies of scale lower costs. The market for portable fuel cells is predicted by NanoMarkets to be $2.6 billion by 2012.
 Tubular fuel cell architecture minimizes sealing concerns in comparison to planar cell architecture, even allowing the development of seal-less systems. During the last three years, the power of a typical cell has increased by an order of magnitude as shown in Figure 1. This provides the benefit of a very power dense system for portable applications. The maximum theoretical electrochemical efficiency for an SOFC operating at 800-850 degrees C is roughly 65%. Recent tests of multiple cells have documented that the new high power density cells have a fuel efficiency based on the lower heating value of the fuel of at least 54%. Proper extended life testing of fuel cells includes operating at constant power for an extended period of time as well as power cycling. A NanoDynamics Energy, Inc. fuel cell stack, operating on propane fuel, under went 15 full thermal cycles during a 1300 hour test period experiencing over 1200 hundred transient load changes with associated thermal cycles of roughly 60 degrees C. The measured performance of the stack increased over 20% during this test, proving the viability and stability of the technology. The SOFC system addresses the limitations of battery technology and long duration power requirements.
NanoDynamics Energy, Inc. view its greatest strength as the development of fuel cell stacks employing their advanced fuel cells. Therefore, while the company may manufacture complete systems, we are interested in collaborative arrangements to help foster the development and commercialization of our fuel cell technology |
