Convion, Fraunhofer IKTS and Plansee present their SOFC innovations at Hannover Fair.

Convion C50 SOFC system

In February 2015 Convion started operation of a new, highly innovative cogeneration

system using MK351 stacks produced by Fraunhofer IKTS. “The Convion C50 SOFC system can be operated with natural gas or biogas. It has nominal power output of 58 kW with 53 % electrical efficiency and over 85% total energy efficiency”, explains Erkko Fontell, CEO of Convion. Depending on the fuel gas, there are low or no CO2 emissions. The C50 is suited for out- or indoor installations and does not require water connection. Operation parallel to the grid or in an island mode secures critical loads in case of power outages. As modular units, C50 power modules can be installed in a parallel configuration, facilitating installations with higher power output. The manufacturing of the product has been successfully finalized and the validation with 20 kW net power has been started.

MK351 stacks from Fraunhofer IKTS

The MK351 stack design was jointly developed by Fraunhofer IKTS and Plansee. It

consists of only a few component parts and allows for a simple and automated assembly. All stack components withstand high temperatures, system and temperature cycles. A perfect matching of components to each other allows the desired high power density of the cell and the required cycle stability. Currently, the performance degradation of a stack integrated in a hot box is < 0.7 %/1000 h. “This value was confirmed by several experiments including long-term test with over 18,000 hours of operation”, emphasize Dr. Mihails Kusnezoff, Head of Department Materials and Components at Fraunhofer IKTS.

CFY interconnects from Plansee

CFY is a chromium-base alloy containing 5 % iron by weight as well as traces of yttrium. The physical properties of the CFY alloy make it ideal for use in high-temperature fuel cells. The coefficient of thermal expansion is adapted to match that of the high-performance electrolyte based on fully-stabilized zirconium oxide, for example 10ScSZ or 8YSZ.

At this year''s Hannover Fair you can find Convion, Fraunhofer IKTS and Plansee in Hall 27:

Convion.:Booth: C54

Fraunhofer :BoothC55

Plansee: Booth: C71