Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
Our company creates products for fields requiring high reliability and durability by combining dissimilar materials with ceramics, which are our core technology. We are challenging ourselves to further research these core technologies and to develop new technologies and products in new areas such as mobility, semiconductors, and environment & energy.
What is SOFC?
A SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) is a device that generates electricity from fuels such as hydrogen.
When water is electrolyzed, hydrogen and oxygen are produced, but conversely, electricity is generated by reacting hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxygen (O₂) entering from the air electrode accepts electrons and becomes an oxygen ion (O²⁻).
Oxygen ions move through the electrolyte (zirconia) and release electrons at the fuel electrode.
At the same time, it reacts with hydrogen (H₂) to form water (H₂O).
Electricity is generated by the movement of electrons during this process. (See diagram on the right.)
This is the principle of SOFC.
Characteristics and types of SOFC
SOFC are a clean power generation system that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.
Because it directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy, it is highly efficient and very quiet.
There are two types: flat plate and cylindrical. The flat plate type offers high power density, low cost, and is very compact, while the cylindrical type can efficiently extract high voltage electrical output with low current.
Each of these devices is expected to be used in various settings, including private homes, buildings, and factories, taking advantage of their unique characteristics.
Morimura SOFC Technology is handling the flat-plate type, while CECYLLS is handling the cylindrical type, and both have begun mass production.
The society that SOFC will create
SOFC, which significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, are a "clean power plant" that holds the key to realizing a decarbonized society.
This is a next-generation energy source that contributes to carbon neutrality.
It is also expected to serve as a distributed power source to support the electricity needs of small communities, and our group is working to commercialize a wide range of products, from household to commercial applications.
With high gas utilization and energy density, SOFC are used for power generation, producing electricity and heat from hydrogen and other fuels.
A highly efficient and durable steam electrolysis technology used in industrial applications such as steel, chemicals, and e-fuels.
A system that switches between fuel cell and electrolysis cell functions, enabling both power generation and hydrogen production.*SOFC is a product handled by MORIMURA SOFC TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd. .
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