7 Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for solid oxide fuel cells as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 solid oxide fuel cell manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked solid oxide fuel cell companies as of April, 2024: 1.CerPoTech, 2.Watt Fuel Cell Corporation, 3.Nexceris.
Table of Contents
What Is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell?
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a fuel cell that operates at high temperatures and uses a solid electrolyte to facilitate the electrochemical conversion of hydrogen or carbon monoxide and oxygen into electricity.
Uses of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
SOFCs have two primary applications:
1. Distributed Power Generation
This involves generating power close to the point of use. SOFCs are ideal for this purpose due to their high efficiency and low emissions. They are utilized in both industrial settings, such as factories and commercial buildings for self-generated power and cogeneration, and residential areas for on-site power generation and hot water supply.
2. Hydrogen Society
In envisioning a society where hydrogen is a primary energy source, SOFCs contribute by both producing hydrogen through high-temperature steam reforming or CO2 decomposition and utilizing hydrogen directly as fuel.
Principle of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
SOFCs generate power through the following processes:
1. Fuel Electrode
Hydrogen or carbon monoxide fuel reacts with oxygen ions from the air electrode, producing water, carbon dioxide, and electrons. The reactions for hydrogen and carbon monoxide are as follows:
Hydrogen: \( H_2 + O^{2-} \rightarrow H_2O + 2e^- \)
Carbon Monoxide: \( CO + O^{2-} \rightarrow CO_2 + 2e^- \)
2. Air Electrode
Oxygen from the air accepts electrons to become oxygen ions (\( O_2 + 4e^- \rightarrow 2O^{2-} \)).
3. Electrolyte
Oxygen ions conduct through the electrolyte from the air electrode to the fuel electrode, requiring high operating temperatures for efficient ion conduction.
4. External Circuits
Electrons flow through external circuits, generating electrical energy before returning to the air electrode.
Structure of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
SOFCs comprise the following components:
1. Electrolyte
A thin ceramic layer of solid oxides such as zirconia, acting as the ion conductor.
2. Electrode
Metal or ceramic layers on either side of the electrolyte, serving as sites for the electrochemical reactions. Nickel and perovskite-type oxides are common materials.
3. Interconnector
A component that electrically connects electrodes and separates gas flows, often made from metal oxides and alloys.
Other Information on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Advantages of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
SOFCs offer high power generation efficiency (50% to 60%), almost negligible emissions, and the ability to use a variety of hydrogen-containing gases as fuel. Their cogeneration capabilities further enhance their efficiency.
Disadvantages of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
The high operating temperatures of SOFCs pose challenges such as longer start-up times, potential component deterioration, and higher costs due to the need for durable materials and complex manufacturing processes.
List of 7 Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Estonia
- Japan
- Norway
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Nexceris
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Manufacturer Overview
Nexceris, established in 1994 and based in Lewis Center, Ohio, United States, is a manufacturer of fuel cell and battery materials, coating, and other materials that are catered to OEM markets. The company works on advanced materials, batteries, fuel cells, and sensors and develops SOFC materials. The company has also come up with designs for electrolyte-supported planar cells. Nexceris developed electrodes for high-temperature electrolysis. This company's electronically controlled sintering furnaces are used to manufacture ceramic components and powders. The company has advanced materials and battery technology innovations and holds 16 US patents.
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Watt Fuel Cell Corporation
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Manufacturer Overview
Watt Fuel Cell was established in 2010, and is a manufacturer of advanced fuel cell technology devices. Based in New York, United States, the company specializes in the design and production of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ("SOFC") stacks and systems engineered to efficiently run on easily accessible hydrocarbon fuels, including propane, diesel, JP-8, and natural gas, reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy solutions. The fuel cell technology is utilized in transportation, backup power systems, and off-grid applications, offering an safe energy solutions for a cleaner future.
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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell vehicle
Manufacturer Overview
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., is a global car manufacturer, founded in 1933 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, The company sells a full line of vehicles under the Nissan and INFINITI brands. Its product range includes sedans, compact cars, SUVs, sports cars, and minivans, catering to various automotive needs. Its headquarters manages operations in four regions which includes Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas, and AMIEO that comprises of Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania.
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CerPoTech
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Manufacturer Overview
CerPoTech (Ceramic Powder Technology AS), founded in 2007 and headquartered in Sor-Trondelag, Norway, is a manufacturer and supplier of ceramic oxide materials. The company's products include barium calcium titanate, barium zirconium titanate, and barium zirconium yttrium cerate, which are used for the production of solid oxide cells, gas separation membranes, and lead-free electrodes. It serves the electronics manufacturing, automotive parts manufacturing, and new energy sectors, and offers online orders since 2016.
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Mitsubishi Power, Ltd.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Manufacturer Overview
Mitsubishi Power, Ltd. is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan as a manufacturer of power generation technology and solutions since 2014. The company designs products that are utilized to build power plants, such as they make Gas Turbines that are the core product for Gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power plants. Similarly, their Steam turbines and Boilers are vital for thermal and geothermal power plants, and their Turbine generators provide solutions for cooling systems. Their power systems can handle enormous projects and Energy Storage solutions solve short-term as well as long-term power storage needs.
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Elcogen
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Manufacturer Overview
Trajan Scientific and Medical, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Harjumaa, Estonia, is a manufacturer of clean energy technology. The company's products include green hydrogen and emission-free electricity in the form of fuel cells. These fuel cells are sold solid oxide electrolysis cells, solid oxide stacks for electrolyser systems, and solid oxide stacks, and are used for energy storage, green hydrogen production, and synthetic fuel production for commercial, residential, and industrial heat and power generation.
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KYOCERA Corporation
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Company Overview
Kyocera Corporation was incorporated in 1946 in Kyoto, Japan as Kyoto Ceramics, but the name was later shortened to Kyocera. Kyocera is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of consumer products as well as industrial components including ceramic and electronic components used in the semiconductor, wireless communications, electronics, and wireless communications markets. Kyocera’s consumer products line includes smartphones and kitchenware such as ceramic knives, cookware, and drinkware. Ceramics are used in semiconductors, solar photovoltaic modules, as well as cutting tools. Kyocera’s electronics cameras, LCDs, medical products, and more.
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Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CerPoTech |
26.2%
|
| 2 | Watt Fuel Cell Corporation |
18.7%
|
| 3 | Nexceris |
14.2%
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| 4 | Elcogen |
12.2%
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| 5 | Mitsubishi Power, Ltd. |
10.2%
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| 6 | KYOCERA Corporation |
9.5%
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| 7 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. |
9.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the solid oxide fuel cell page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.: 134,111
- KYOCERA Corporation: 83,001
- Watt Fuel Cell Corporation: 24
Newly Established Company
- Mitsubishi Power, Ltd.: 2014 (10 years ago)
- Watt Fuel Cell Corporation: 2010 (14 years ago)
- CerPoTech: 2007 (17 years ago)
Company with a History
- KYOCERA Corporation: 1959 (65 years ago)
- Nexceris: 1994 (30 years ago)
- CerPoTech: 2007 (17 years ago)
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
|
3 | 42.9% |
United States of America
|
2 | 28.6% |
Norway
|
1 | 14.3% |
| Estonia | 1 | 14.3% |
