WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the award of $4.2 million for 11 new research projects that will "address the last barriers to commercially viable solid-oxide fuel cell systems," according to Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham.

According to the DOE, solid-oxide fuel cells are a promising option for applications that require a large amount of power, such as industrial plants or utility generating stations. They operate at high temperatures and at high efficiency and can be powered with a variety of fuels. Nine of the 11 new research projects are aimed at developing materials for the fuel cell components that will better survive the high temperatures and corrosive conditions within the fuel cells.

In addition, one project will evaluate new and existing fuel injector designs, and another will evaluate means of avoiding carbon deposition on the fuel cell catalyst.

Publication date: 07/26/2004