The Taipei Tech research and development team, led by Vice President Prof. Sea-Fue Wang, announced a new kind of green and sustainable fuel cell. Following closely behind the US, Australia and Japan, Taipei Tech has also successfully developed a much more efficient and green fuel cell for household use.

The new solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) generates electricity through chemical reactions: solid oxide (or ceramics) combines with natural gas and air to produce electricity and hot water. This production process is noiseless because it doesn’t require combustion or a mechanical motor. The only two outputs from the SOFC are electricity and hot water (pure H2O). The pure hot water can be used for showering and drinking. Consequently SOFC is very effective and green for the environment, since it produces zero pollution and noise. This new SOFC can produce up to 85% of electricity. It is very productive in comparison to the old-fashioned thermal powered battery and nuclear powered battery, which produces only 30% and 40% of electricity, respectively.

Taipei Tech President Yao (center), Taipei Tech Vice President Wang (4th to left)
and Dr. Thomas CK Yang (3rd to right) with members of the SOFC development team

The size of the SOFC can vary depending on one’s needs. It can be conveniently sized for remote locations that electric wires do not reach. A properly sized SOFC can produce enough electricity to support a factory or even a small community. Another advantage is that the SOFC can generate power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unlike green fuel cells that are restricted to solar and wind power.

SOFC research and development team leader, Prof. Sea-Fue Wang also stated that, “Due to the greenhouse effect caused by pollution, more countries and institutions are leaning towards a greener solution for electric power; therefore, the development of a green SOFC is gaining momentum.” Prof. Wang also pointed out that compared to other countries’ high temperature fuel cells, Taipei Tech’s SOFC is categorized as medium temperature. As a result, Taipei Tech’s SOFC is more efficient at energy conversion.

Taipei Tech’s SOFC was domestically produced; everything from materials to assembly was done in Taiwan. In addition, household SOFC can be commercialized in the near future. This shows that Taiwan already has the advanced technology and technique to export these SOFC batteries. Thus, this new mechanics has a large market potential for economic growth as well.