Helping Power the Future of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

TUTCO SureHeat participated in the European Fuel Cell Forum (EFCF) in Lucerne, Switzerland on July 2-5, 2024. This prestigious international conference and exhibition focuses on high-temperature fuel cells, electrolysers, and hydrogen processing technologies. As a leader in electrification and decarbonization, TUTCO SureHeat has been at the forefront of developing and supplying advanced heating solutions crucial for these emerging green technologies.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent a cutting-edge technology for generating electricity through the electrochemical oxidation of fuels. Traditionally, fuel cells generate electricity by reacting two gas streams—typically air and natural gas—resulting in both electricity and CO2. However, the industry is working to develop greener solutions by using hydrogen and air, which produce electricity and water vapor, eliminating CO2 emissions. The challenge is sourcing the vast quantities of hydrogen needed for these processes.

Research and development of reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, or Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) offer great potential as a green solution. These innovative cells use electricity and water to produce hydrogen. The vision is to implement these systems in areas abundant with renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. During periods of low energy demand, the surplus energy from these renewable sources can be converted into hydrogen using SOECs. This hydrogen can then be stored and used as a clean fuel, providing a sustainable energy solution.

High heat and low pressure is essential for both SOFC and SOEC processes, which operate at temperatures up to 850 °C. TUTCO SureHeat specializes in high-temperature electric air heaters, designed to meet these demanding requirements. Our Specialty Flanged Inline (SFI) heaters provide the necessary heat and maintain low pressures (5-10 psi), ensuring optimal performance and efficiency in fuel cell applications. Our heaters play a vital role in two key phases of fuel cell operation: initially heating the fuel cell to reach a steady operational state and maintaining consistent temperatures to supplement heat recovery mechanisms, ensuring minimal energy input while maintaining performance.

TUTCO SureHeat’s high-temperature electric air heaters are integral to the research and development of fuel cells, supporting facilities that push the boundaries in the ongoing effort to create clean sustainable energy sources. By providing reliable and consistent heating solutions, we help fuel cell researchers achieve their goals of high efficiency and performance.