Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA)
Industry Teams
 The goal of the Industry Teams is to develop SOFC system prototypes with a net power output of 3-kW to 10-kW. Each Industry Team is expected to:
- Propose a SOFC design for a target market;
- Coordinate the process of refining the design elements that will contribute to a high-power-density SOFC that can be mass-produced, with end-users and manufacturers; and
- Communicate their R&D gaps with the Core Technology Program.
The Teams are independent and therefore compete with each other; however, all are committed to the concept of mass customization as the pathway to reducing the cost of fuel cell systems.
The Industry Teams and Core Technology Program partners work together to develop the SECA SOFC. The Industry Teams provide necessary input to shape the Core Technology Program. As the Industry Teams develop and refine their SOFC designs, any R&D gaps are identified and given to the Core Technology Program participants to research. This allows the Industry Teams to continue their SOFC development process, while the Core Technology Program participants are develop and researching much-needed breakthrough technologies.
Each Industry Team project is structured in three phases over ten years and follows the Minimum Requirements. At the end of each phase, the prototype is tested according to these minimum requirements.
| Industry Team Projects and Participants |
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Acumentrics [PDF-1289KB] (Westwood, MA): Acumentrics is developing a small tubular cell geometry SOFC with superior ruggedness and fast-start capability. A 10-kW module will target communications, residential, military, APUs for heavy-duty trucks, and light commercial markets, and will meet the $400/kW target through substantial application experience in communications and military applications.
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Cummins Power Generation [PDF-83KB] (Minneapolis, MN): Cummins and SOFCo have teamed together to develop a 10-kW SOFC for stationary and mobile markets. The system is projected to meet or exceed the $400/kW SECA cost goal, enabling it to compete with and possibly replace current reciprocating engines of the same size. The project accelerates McDermott's existing SOFC program, and makes use of Cummins Power Generation's skill in integrating systems and penetrating a variety of small-size consumer and commercial markets. Key subcontractors are Ceramatec, Inc. and Advanced Refractory Technologies.
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Delphi Automotive Systems [PDF-340KB] (Rochester, NY): Delphi and Battelle are developing a common SOFC design that can be mass-produced at low cost for automotive and truck APUs, distributed generation, and niche markets in the military sector. Delphi plans to demonstrate a 5-kW system that operates on infrastructure fuels with a system cost of $400/kW or less.
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FuelCell Energy – Cost Reduction [PDF-610KB] (Danbury, CT): FuelCell Energy (FCE)'s SECA fuel cell systems targets small stationary applications and military portable power applications, with an emphasis on multi-fuel capability. FCE expects to achieve system cost reduction by operating at lower temperatures using less expensive materials.
FCE leads a teams that includes Versa Power Systems, Materials and Systems Research, the University of Utah, GTI, EPRI, Dana Corporation, and PNNL.
FuelCell Energy – Coal-Based Systems [PDF-752KB]
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General Electric Global Research – Cost Reduction [PDF-860KB] (Niskayuna, NY): GE is developing a modular, 3-kw to 10-kW SOFC system that meets a wide range of power-generation needs, and meets or exceeds the $400/kW SECA cost goal. The self-contained prototype is expected to operate on a variety of fuels and be designed as a stand-alone power plant tailored for a specific market, or it can be integrated into a larger system.
General Electric Global Research – Coal-Based Systems [PDF-108KB]
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Siemens Power Generation – Cost Reduction [PDF-623KB] (Pittsburgh, PA): Siemens is developing a 7-kW to 10-kW SOFC combined heat and power system for residential applications, and a 3-kW to 10-kW APU for automotive applications that meets or exceeds the $400/kW SECA cost goal. Fuel Cell Technologies, Blasch Precision Ceramics, Lennox Industries, the Trane Company, Ford Motor Company, Eaton Corporation, and Newport News are working with Siemens.
Siemens Power Generation – Coal-Based Systems [PDF-258KB]
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SECA Industry Team Design & Manufacturing |
Team |
Design |
Manufacturing |
Cummins
[PDF-83KB] |
- Electrolyte supported-planar
- 825° C
- Thermally matched materials
- Seal-less stack
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- Tape casting
- Screen printing
- Co-sintering
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Delphi
[PDF-340KB] |
- Anode supported-planar
- 750° C
- Ultra compact
- Rapid transient capability
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- Tape casting
- Screen printing
- 2–stage sintering
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- Anode supported-radial
- 750° C
- Hybrid compatible
- Internal reforming
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- Tape calendaring
- 2–stage sintering
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- Cathode supported-flattened oval
- 800° C
- Seal-less stack
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Acumentrics
[PDF-1289KB] |
- Anode supported-microtubular
- 750° C
- Thermally matched materials
- Robust & rapid start-up
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- Extrusion
- Dip processing
- Spray deposition
- Co-sintering
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- Anode supported-planar
- < 700° C
- Low cost metals
- Thermal integration
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- Tape casting
- Screen printing
- Co-sintering
- Electrostatic deposition
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