Latest news with #SOFC
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Engineering Breakthrough Opens Door to Cheap Hydrogen Power
As an alternative to fossil fuel combustion, hydrogen fuel cells hold tremendous promise. But they're also notoriously difficult and expensive to manage, which largely explains why we don't see them everywhere (or anywhere, for that matter, except for a few initiatives that are 'exploring' their efficiency). But that may soon change. In a Nature Materials paper published August 8, researchers announced the development of a new type of solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that addresses an underlying problem for these contraptions: temperature. Hydrogen fuel cells, a type of SOFC, directly convert hydrogen gas into energy and water. This process, while very efficient and long-lasting, demands ridiculously high operating temperatures ranging from 1,292 to 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit (700 to 800 degrees Celsius). The new cell, however, works at just 572 degrees F (300 degrees C), less than half of what was previously required. 'Bringing the working temperature down to 300°C would slash material costs and open the door to consumer-level systems,' said Yoshihiro Yamazaki, study senior author and a materials engineer at Kyushu University in Japan, in a statement. Specifically, the team focused on re-engineering the electrolyte, a ceramic layer composed of different atomic structures arranged in a crystal lattice. In hydrogen fuel cells, positively charged hydrogen ions, or protons, travel across these crystalline pathways to convert hydrogen gas into energy and water. Normally, the fuel cell must operate under extremely high temperatures to work, which the researchers tried to bypass using chemical dopants—substances added to manipulate a material's physical properties—in combination with an appropriate oxide crystal. 'But this also comes with a challenge,' Yamazaki explained. 'Adding chemical dopants can increase the number of mobile protons passing through an electrolyte, but it usually clogs the crystal lattice, slowing the protons down.' After testing various candidates, the team locked in on two compounds, barium stannate and barium titanate. When doped with scandium at a temperature of 572 degrees F, the two materials displayed efficiency levels at par with existing SOFCs at much higher temperatures. Surprisingly, the scandium atoms latched onto oxygen atoms to form a 'wide and softly vibrating [molecular] highway' that enabled the protons to travel with an 'unusually low migration barrier,' Yamazaki explained. The two compounds used for this electrolyte are also softer than what's conventionally used to build such cells, he added, which was likely the reason the compounds easily absorbed the scandium dopant. 'Our work transforms a long-standing scientific paradox into a practical solution, bringing affordable hydrogen power closer to everyday life,' Yamazaki said. Compared to room temperatures, 572 degrees F is still very high. Nevertheless, this reduction is still significant and paints a promising future for bringing down operating temperatures even further—and also operating costs—for the widespread, practical implementation of SOFCs.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WATT Fuel Cell Completes Installation of its Latest Generation Fuel Cell System, WATT HOME™, within Peoples Natural Gas Service Territory
Locally made fuel cell systems can serve as backup power source for homes by connecting to existing natural gas infrastructure PITTSBURGH, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The installation marks a significant step forward in enhancing energy efficiency and reliability for residential customers. The WATT HOME system is a cutting-edge technology designed to provide safe, clean, efficient, and reliable energy directly to homes. This system operates by converting natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion, offering a sustainable complement or alternative to traditional energy sources. The installation of a WATT HOME system brings numerous advantages to the homeowner and community at large. Those advantages include increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller physical footprint. As a back-up power solution, the WATT HOME system provides a dependable source of electricity, minimizing the impact of grid outages. With the increasing strain on the PJM electric grid from extreme weather events and the retirement of baseload generators, the need for reliable backup power has never been greater. On average, U.S. electricity customers experience approximately 5.5 hours of electricity interruptions annually. WATT HOME fuel cell systems keep the lights on during outages without the noise or pollution created by standard backup power generators. "The rising frequency and severity of power disruptions highlight the urgent need for resilient, efficient, and clean energy solutions," said Caine Finnerty, CEO and Founder of WATT Fuel Cell. "When the power goes out, the WATT HOME system activates to ensure your electricity is working all the time." Looking Ahead: Future Installations and Rollout Program As part of Peoples' commitment to advance innovative energy solutions, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas utility plans pilot installations of the WATT HOME system in multiple company field offices. These projects will help define the installation and operational process across different use cases, informing a future public rollout. "The partnership with WATT is the latest in a series of innovative concepts championed by Peoples to meet modern-day energy demands," said Peoples President Michael Huwar. "The WATT HOME system's groundbreaking technology has the potential to protect homeowners from volatility in power generation, offering a reliable, resilient and sustainable energy solution that leverages our region's abundant natural gas supply." For more information about the WATT HOME system, visit About WATT Fuel Cell WATT Fuel Cell ( is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ("SOFC") stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT's proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT's Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe. About Peoples Natural Gas Peoples, an Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) company, provides clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Peoples is committed to its customers, its employees, the environment, and to the regions it serves. About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. View source version on Contacts Danielle RamaleyChief Commercial Officer, WATT Fuel Cell Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WATT Fuel Cell Completes Installation of its Latest Generation Fuel Cell System, WATT HOME™, within Peoples Natural Gas Service Territory
Locally made fuel cell systems can serve as backup power source for homes by connecting to existing natural gas infrastructure PITTSBURGH, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities, has successfully installed the next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The installation marks a significant step forward in enhancing energy efficiency and reliability for residential customers. The WATT HOME system is a cutting-edge technology designed to provide safe, clean, efficient, and reliable energy directly to homes. This system operates by converting natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion, offering a sustainable complement or alternative to traditional energy sources. The installation of a WATT HOME system brings numerous advantages to the homeowner and community at large. Those advantages include increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller physical footprint. As a back-up power solution, the WATT HOME system provides a dependable source of electricity, minimizing the impact of grid outages. With the increasing strain on the PJM electric grid from extreme weather events and the retirement of baseload generators, the need for reliable backup power has never been greater. On average, U.S. electricity customers experience approximately 5.5 hours of electricity interruptions annually. WATT HOME fuel cell systems keep the lights on during outages without the noise or pollution created by standard backup power generators. "The rising frequency and severity of power disruptions highlight the urgent need for resilient, efficient, and clean energy solutions," said Caine Finnerty, CEO and Founder of WATT Fuel Cell. "When the power goes out, the WATT HOME system activates to ensure your electricity is working all the time." Looking Ahead: Future Installations and Rollout Program As part of Peoples' commitment to advance innovative energy solutions, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas utility plans pilot installations of the WATT HOME system in multiple company field offices. These projects will help define the installation and operational process across different use cases, informing a future public rollout. "The partnership with WATT is the latest in a series of innovative concepts championed by Peoples to meet modern-day energy demands," said Peoples President Michael Huwar. "The WATT HOME system's groundbreaking technology has the potential to protect homeowners from volatility in power generation, offering a reliable, resilient and sustainable energy solution that leverages our region's abundant natural gas supply." For more information about the WATT HOME system, visit About WATT Fuel Cell WATT Fuel Cell ( is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ("SOFC") stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT's proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT's Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe. About Peoples Natural Gas Peoples, an Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) company, provides clean, safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service to approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Peoples is committed to its customers, its employees, the environment, and to the regions it serves. About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. View source version on Contacts Danielle RamaleyChief Commercial Officer, WATT Fuel Cell
