Solid oxide fuel cells, the electrity generator of the future

Fuel cells offer the possibility of converting fossil fuel energy into electricity through an electrochemical process without the efficiency limitations of Carnot-Cycle machines. Among the different fuel cell systems in service or under development, high temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) promise the highest efficiencies and the greatest flexibility in the use of different fuels. In principle, any hydrocarbon fuel which is gaseous at the operating temperature can be used. Today, Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells are most advanced and prototype systems are on the market for heat and power cogeneration. SOFC systems will follow soon