DFC/T® Power Plant: From Sub-Megawatt Demonstration to Multi-Megawatt Design

FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCE) recently completed a field demonstration of its packaged sub-megawatt (sub-MW) class Direct FuelCell/Turbine® (DFC/T®) alpha power plant unit. The power plant achieved a record-breaking electrical efficiency of 56% (based on the lower heating value of natural gas fuel), unmatched anywhere in the industry by distributed power generation products in its size range. Such an ultra-high efficiency is traditionally expected from large combined cycle systems (400 MW or greater which are too large for distributed generation applications). Emission monitoring tests of the DFC/T system have shown compliance with the most stringent environmental regulatory standards. Achievement of ultra-high efficiency reveals the potential of the DFC/T concept for substantially reducing power generation cost while maintaining the green benefits of near-zero emissions to the environment.