The world’s smallest solid-oxide fuel cell( SOFC), as small as a sugar cube, was recently developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The sugar cube-sized SOFC is operable at 550°C.
To increase the ratio of electrode area to volume the size of the cylindrical cell was substantially downsized. The sugar cube-sized SOFC, which is made up of twenty five needle-like modules, each with a diameter of 0.8mm, can generate 3W of electricity.
Solid-oxide fuel cells are characterized by their high efficiency ( works at only 500° C) compared to other fuel cells (operate between 700 and 1,000° C), being appropriate for power cogeneration and generation.
According to AIST, one day fuel cell vehicles could be powered by the new SOFC. Now, the fuel cell is intended for use by automotive APUs.
Via Techon
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#1 by WhichBurner on June 4, 2009 - 3:03 am
I really liked that, thanks and please carry on