What Are Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells?
UTC Power has experience in all five major fuel cell technologies (Phosphoric Acid, Proton Exchange Membrane, Alkaline, Solid Oxide and Molten Carbonate).
The PureCell® System uses advanced Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell technology.
Through our extensive experience with each of these technologies we have determined that phosphoric acid fuel cells offer the optimum blend of system performance, durability and value for stationary power applications and our customers.
PAFC's are highly efficient - total efficiency of 90 percent is achievable when process heat produced by the fuel cell is used for co-generation (combined heat and power). They are a relatively new fuel cell technology with development that began in the 1960's (compared to solid oxide and molten carbonate which trace their development back to the 1930's and 1950's respectively). PAFC's were the first fuel cells commercialized for stationary applications and have benefited from 20+ years of field experience, technology improvements and cost reduction. UTC Power's stationary power plants - from the first generation produced in 1991 to the latest generation PureCell system (the Model 400) released in 2009 - are PAFC power plants.
UTC Power's fleet of PureCell Systems is providing clean and efficient energy to some of the world's most progressive and recognizable companies. Many are repeat customers who have been delighted by the performance and benefits of the PureCell system. With nearly 10 million kW hours of field experience, customers benefit from lower energy costs, reduced emissions and an industry-leading 90% system efficiency, 10-year cell stack durability and 20-year product life. No other stationary fuel cell technology offers the comprehensive range of benefits that are provided by the PureCell system.
UTC Power's transportation fuel cells (buses and automobiles) use proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. For more about transportation fuel cell offerings, please visit our products page.