Supported Molten Salt Electrolyte (SMSE) Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) for Distributed Power Grids

The DOD has enacted an energy strategy that calls for both smarter energy usage and employment of alternative energy sources such that foreign oil reliance can be reduced and an increase in overall operational efficiency can be achieved. Localized generation presents an exciting opportunity for energy users in general, and the DOD specifically, to increase usage efficiency and exploit alternative energy sources. This proposal aims to provide the US Navy with an affordable energy generation/storage solution that will enable microgrid development and increase grid security/reliability. Infoscitex Corporation (IST) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) propose the development of a Supported Molten Salt Electrolyte (SMSE) Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) that addresses the deficiencies of the conventional URFCs.