What is a hybrid fuel cell system and what are its advantages over other advanced energy production plants?
Hybrid technology represents the union of two separate power plants carefully developed and integrated into a single unit. The union creates a synergy between the power systems, exploiting the benefits of each. This advantage allows for improved overall performance. For example, the NCFRC will soon acquire a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell / mircoturbine generator system. This plant’s main innovation will be utilization of the hot fuel cell exhaust gas to drive a microturbine, which will then provide a high-pressure environment to enhance the electrical output of the fuel cell. This system will operate more economically than either a SOFC or MTG running alone. With most fuel cell hybrids, the advantage over other advanced power generation technologies is enhanced power production per unit of fuel. Instead of being vented into the environment as waste heat or used for co-generation, the fuel cell’s exhaust is captured and its energy utilized for the production of electricity enhancing the
