The natural gas fuel cell, which ran from August 2003, has just recently been removed from the FNG office. Complications forced operators to shut down the fuel cell in September, 2004. The fuel cell did, however, run much longer than expected, which is a great sign for development of fuel cells in the future. If you have further questions, please contact UAF AETDL.
Natural Gas Fuel Cell
FNG is proud to host an exciting new research project involving solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. FNG is providing the space within our office warehouse and supplying the natural gas. The fuel cell arrived in July of 2003 and began operation on August 1.
Fuel cells are being developed as an alternative power supply currently directed towards smaller power needs. The fuel cell alternative is more fuel efficient as well as being more climate- and environment-friendly.
This particular research project is intended to study fuel cells for small scale power requirements in remote locations such as those found throughout much of Alaska. Examples include remote isolated dwellings, railroad crossings and remote communication needs. Fuel cells used in remote areas must be highly reliable, fuel efficient, cost effective and capable of operating without attendance.
Northern Eclipse Liquefaction Plant
On the left is the actual unit set up at FNG's office warehouse. The SOFC converts natural gas to electricity and heat by way of an electrochemical reaction. The SOFC is not powered by combustion, but instead by electrochemical reactions. The cell utilizes the hydrogen as well as carbon monoxide formed from the reaction. This makes the unit more fuel efficient and fuel flexible.
FNG is able to utilize the electricity to power most of the electrical demand at its office as well as the heat generated to heat a portion of its warehouse during the colder months. FNG is excited to be a part of such exciting new technology.
Fuel Cell Technologies, LTD (FCT), based out of Kingston, Ontario, in cooperation with Siemens Westinghouse, has developed the 5 kW solid oxide fuel cell. Dennis Witmer, from UAF's Arctic Energy Technology Development Lab (AETDL), has brought FCT to Fairbanks to continue their research in fuel cells.
To learn more about these companies and solid oxide fuel cells, click on the links on the right.
Fuel Cell Team Meet the Team (from left to right)
Mace Willey, from FNG, has helped coordinate and install the supply of natural gas for the project.
Brent Sheets, from the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETC). This project is also a part of the Department of Energy - NETC's advanced fuel cell research program.
Dennis Witmer, from UAFs Arctic Energy Technology Development Lab.
Matt Hofford, from FCT, is the technical coordinator for FCT.
Fuel Cell Support Staff Meet the Team (from left to right)
From UAF - Tristan Kenny, Jack Schmid and Tom Johnson
