Critical issues in solid oxide fuel cell development

Cell fabrication, electrical interconnection development, internal resistance, and thermal cycling of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are discussed. Assuming the technical issues can be resolved, preliminary economic analysis indicates that a significant onsite market exists for SOFC's. In addition to being applicable to residential and commercial markets, this concept has the potential to address the industrial cogeneration market. Because of this market's requirement for large volumes of high quality heat, it is generally not accessible to low temperature fuel cells. The market potential is briefly discussed.