FuelCell. Energy, Inc. (FCEL) has announced a market-driven energy storage solution that converts power during periods of low demand into hydrogen (H2), an energy carrier, through high efficiency electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC).
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is supporting this development with a $3m cost-share contract to advance SOEC system design that will be added to its Advanced Technology backlog for the fourth quarter of 2016.
“This support from the Department of Energy helps us to advance our innovative long-duration storage solution for large-scale utility applications,” said Chip Bottone, CEO, FCEL. “Energy storage economics are driven by the round-trip efficiency and we feel we have a very compelling solution for utilities desiring affordable storage that is flexible and long duration with the added benefit of minimal land needs.”
Efficient conversion of power to H2 is the first step of the solid oxide energy storage system, using H2 as an energy carrier. When power is needed, the H2 is cleanly and efficiently converted back into power using the same solid oxide system in fuel cell power generation mode.
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