Under the three-phase program Siemens PG will develop a MW-class fuel cell/gas turbine hybrid power system to operate on coal-derived synthesis gas, and demonstrate operation at greater than 50% electrical efficiency (basis: higher heating value of coal to net AC power) with greater than 90% CO2 capture. The system will be scalable to sizes of greater than 100 MWe output and, when offered in commercial quantities, targets a cost of $400/kWe for the power island of an integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) power plant.

"The program will evolve technology developed under our solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)development programs as part of the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program. The advanced SOFC from our SECA program will be optimized for operation at elevated pressure, and its dimensions will be scaled up to the largest practical values," said Thomas Flower, president of the Stationary Fuel Cells division of Siemens Power Generation. "The baseline design also incorporates an air separation unit to provide oxygen for the plant, as well as unique thermal integration of the SOFC with the oxygen system to save additional energy," Flower added. "Together with our gasification partner, ConocoPhillips and our oxygen membrane partner, Air Products, we will work to maximize plant performance and efficiency, and minimize costs."

Solid oxide fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert energy in a fuel into electricity much like a battery, and due to the operating temperature, valuable heat is recoverable for use in heating and cooling applications. Siemens Stationary Fuel Cells, located in Churchill, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a world leader in SOFC technology. Siemens plans to commercialize SOFC systems in the 5 kW to 1000 kW range with first pre-commercial deliveries in the 2008/2009 time frame. Siemens is developing SOFC technology under cooperative agreements with the US Department of Energy, through its National Energy Technology Laboratory.