A comprehensice portfolio that contains the unique attributes of solid oxide fuel cell technology and how it addresses environmental, climate change, and water concerns associated with fossil fuel–particularly coal–use, establishing a foundation for a secure energy future in the United States.

The SECA program hosts many workshops and events throughout the year.  The proceedings for these events can easily be assessed through the link in blue given above. CDs are available for most workshops.

The Fuel Cell Handbook [PDF-5MB, CD Available] provides a foundation in fuel cells for persons wanting a better understanding of the technology, its benefits, and the systems issues that influence its application. Trends in technology are discussed, including next-generation concepts that promise ultra-high efficiency and low cost, while providing exceptionally clean power plant systems.

This brochure [PDF-1.1MB] describes the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) that is forging government/industry partnerships to reduce the cost of fuel cells and to develop fuel cell coal-based systems for clean and efficient power generation. The program's primary goal is to deploy fuel cells in near-zero emission coal plants, capturing 99 percent of the carbon, greatly reducing water requirements, and maintaining low energy costs.

This brochure [PDF-1.4MB] describes the DOE Office of Fossil Energy Distributed Generation program.  An introduction and overview of the program are presented, along with a description of the program benefits, technical challenges, and market drivers.  An overview of each of the program elements—SECA, Hybrids, HiTEC, and Ramgen—is also provided.

HiTEC Brochure

This brochure [PDF-401KB] describes the High Temperature Electrochemistry Center research program.  The mission of the Center, the areas of research and emphasis and the link to FutureGen and other advanced power systems are discussed.

Together with the U. S. Fuel Cell Council, and the National Fuel Cell Research Center, the DOE sponsors the development and distribution of a nationally recognized fuel cell monthly electronic newsletter—the Fuel Cell Connection. For a chronological listing of this newsletter, click on this link: www.usfcc.com/resources/backissues.html.

• Current and Future Technologies for Gasification-Based Power Generation:  Volume 2 -- A Pathway Study Focused on Carbon Capture Advanced Power Systems R&D Using Bituminous Coal [PDF-1.7MB] (Nov 2010)
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Critical Materials: A Review of Implications [PDF-1.2MB] (May 2011)
  J. Thijssen, J.Thijssen, LLC, Subcontractor to LTI, Prepared for DOE NETL.
• Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell Performance and Cost Assessment [PDF-362KB] (Mar 2009)
  Kristin Gerdes, NETL
• Natural Gas-Fueled Distributed Generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems [PDF-2MB] (Mar 2009)
  J.Thijssen, LLC
• Fuel Composition Effects and Other Operational Parameters on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance, [PDF-202KB] (Oct 2008)
  Eric Grol, NETL; Dale Keairns, SAIC; Richard Newby, SAIC
• The Benefits of SOFC for Coal-Based Power Generation [PDF-1MB] (Oct 2007)
  Wayne Surdoval, NETL
• The Impact of Scale-Up and Production Volume on SOFC Manufacturing Cost [PDF-4.6MB] (Apr 2007)
  J.Thijssen, LLC - The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of solid oxide fuel cell scale-up.
• An Assessment of a Hydrogen Cities Concept Applied to a Representative Community [PDF-1.4MKB] (July 2004) 
  TIAX LLC, The objective of this study was to assess the potential benefits of SECA SOFC technology when used within a community energy system.
• The Impact of Future Diesel Fuel Specifications and Engine Emissions Standards on SOFC [PDF-1.2MB] (June 2004)
  J. Thijssen, LLC - The objective of this study was to assess the impact of emerging diesel fuel regulations on SOFC
• Scale-up of Planar SOFC Stack Technology for MW-Level Combined Cycle System [PDF-2.2MB] (Oct 2003)
  TIAX LLC - The objective of this study was to assess if and how SECA-style anode-supported SOFC stacks could be scaled-up for use in MW-level combined cycle plants.
• Grid Independent, Residential Fuel-Cell Conceptual Design and Cost Estimate [PDF-540KB] (Oct 2002)
  TIAX LLC - The objective of this study was to characterize performance and manufactured cost of a stand-alone residential SOFC-based energy system.
• Structural Limitations in the Scale-up of Anode Supported SOFCs [PDF-1.8MB] (Oct 2002)
  TIAX LLC - The objective of this study was to develop a structural model to assess impact of operating conditions and scale-up on SOFC thermo-mechanical stresses.
• Scale-up Study of 5-kW SECA Modules to a 250-kW System [PDF-952KB] (June 2002)
  TIAX LLC - The objective of this study was to assess whether and how SECA stack modules can be integrated into a 250-kWe plant.
• SECA, a U.S. DOE Initiative to Promote the Development of Mass Customized SOFCs for Low-Cost Power [PDF-81KB] (Aug 2001)
  Wayne Surdoval, NETL
• Conceptual Design of POX/SOFC 5kW Net System [PDF-1MB] (Jan 2001)
  Arthur D. Little, Inc. - The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual design package and cost estimate for a planar anode supported SOFC system.
• Assessment of Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology [PDF-694KB] (Oct 1999)
  Arthur D. Little, Inc. - The objective of this study was to assess planar architectures for SOFC technology.

Relevant Coal Gasification and Cleanup Reports

• Trace Species Partitioning as Affected by Cold Gas Cleanup Conditions: A Thermodynamic Analysis [PDF-337KB]
  (Feb 2011)
• Advanced Power Plant Development and Analyses Methodologies [PDF-2.9MB]
  (Oct 2006)
  University of California, Irvine
• FutureGen, Integrated Hydrogen, Electric Power Production and Carbon
  Sequestration Research Initiative [PDF-3.5MB] (Mar 2004)
  Office of Fossil Energy
• Gasification Plant Cost and Performance Optimization, Final Report  [PDF-2.6MB] (Sept 2003)
  Bechtel Corporation, Global Energy Inc, and Nexant Inc
• Removal of Trace Contaminants from Coal-Derived Synthesis Gas, Topical Report [PDF-3.6MB] (Mar 2003)
  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Eastman Chemical Company
• Task 3.5: Poison Resistant Catalyst Development and Testing, Final Topical Report [PDF-1.2MB] (Mar 1997)
  Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. - Design and Construction of the Alternative Fuels Field Test Unit and Liquid Phase Methanol Feedstock and Catalyst Life Testing at Eastman Chemical Company (Kingsport, TN)
• Sorbents for High Temperature Removal of Arsenic from Coal-Derived Synthesis Gas [PDF-157KB]
  TDA Research, Inc.
• Trace Species Emissions for IGFC [PDF-1.4MB] (June 1994)
  Energy Research Corporation

• August 14-15, 2003 — "Energy Storage Technologies for Distributed Energy Resources and Other Electric Power Systems" This tutorial was sponsored by NETL and the National Research Center for Coal and Energy and was presented by EPRI PEAC Corporation and Sandia National Laboratory.  The tutorial is divided into four different sections.
  • End-use and Utility-grid Applications - Basic concepts, comparison of near-term applications
  • Energy Storage Technology Overview - Advantage and disadvantages of technologies use for both short and long-term energy support
  • R&D Activities, Technology, and Cost Considerations - Update on current research in DOE, CEC and other programs
  • Example Cases and Future Technology Applications - Performance comparisons, hybrid, and future applications