NGK’S New Fuel Cell Offers Improved Energy Effeciency
NAGOYA – Japan’s NGK Insulators Ltd. (TSE:5333) announced Thursday that it has developed one of the world’s most energy-efficient solid oxide fuel cells.
Solid oxide fuel cells to date have had energy efficiencies of 55-60 per cent at the most, but NGK’s offering boasts a rate of 63 per cent. The cells operate at 800 C and generate 700 watts. Fuel utilization is also a high 90 per cent. The company aims to have a practical version available for commercial facilities in three to four years.
NGK developed a way to ensure that the gas fuel is distributed evenly throughout the entire cell. A leading oil refiner is currently testing its power output.
Since the cells are designed to run continuously, NGK initially anticipates demand from convenience stores, shopping centers and other businesses that operate around the clock. Afterwards, it hopes to sell the cells for use in homes.
