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About SOFC Technology
 Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is less mature than PEM technology, and is expected to yield commercially viable products on a slightly longer timeline. However, there are several advantages SOFC technology offers that makes it an attractive investment for the near future as well as an excellent complementary technology to Protonex' well-developed PEM technology today.
SOFCs use a hard, non-porous ceramic compound as the electrolyte, so cells do not have to be constructed in the stacked plate configuration typically seen with other fuel cell technologies. In addition, SOFCs operate at high temperatures (around 800oC, 1,470oF), which reduces costs by eliminating the need for a precious metal catalyst and allowing SOFCs to reform fuels internally.
Protonex Advantages
Protonex' SOFCs are based on proprietary technology that covers design and manufacturing of the core fuel cell module. The Company also uses advanced balance of plant components that make its SOFC-based systems much more efficient and durable.
Protonex believes that developing SOFC-based products in additon to PEM-based products will provide considerable short and long-term benefits. These include:
Fuel Diversity: SOFC technology enables the utilization of fuels that are widely available and optimal for certain commercial, consumer and other applications. These fuels include:
- Propane
- Gasoline
- Ethanol
- Diesel or JP8 (military deisel)
Broader Markets: Based on the relative merits (operating characteristics, input fuels, power density and efficiency) of PEM and SOFC technologies, Protonex believes that products based on both will co-exist in the marketplace. Protonex’ ability to provide power solutions based on each of these technologies will dramatically increase the total market addressed by its products. |
