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Santa

What if the North Pole was Powered by Solid Oxide Fuel Cells?

As the Special Power Sources team has been working diligently to create new systems to solve various power needs, they thought it would be fun to dream up what it would look like if Santa decided to power the North Pole with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). 

This post highlights the fictitious scenario.

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remote mountain community

SOFCs Offering Sustainable Energy for Remote Communities

In recent years, as technology has advanced, so have opportunities to bring more renewable and efficient energy sources to remote communities. Many are aware of the potential for wind and solar energy, however, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are a promising energy source that can work in even the harshest conditions in the most remote locations.

They provide a clean and efficient way to generate electricity, providing a lifeline for isolated areas that are often off the grid. Here you can explore the potential of SOFCs in creating a renewable energy source for remote communities and the numerous benefits they bring.

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representation of hydrogen and the different solutions it can power

Leveraging Solid Oxide Fuel Cells For A Greener Hydrogen Energy Future

In the quest for sustainable and clean energy solutions, fuel cells have emerged as a pivotal technology, holding the key to unlocking the potential of hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier. With their exceptional efficiency and minimal environmental impact, fuel cells are spearheading the transition towards a hydrogen-based energy landscape. 

In this blog post, we delve into the future of hydrogen-based energy and the impact of fuel cells in paving the way for hydrogen energy production.

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solid oxide fuel cell diagram

A Comprehensive Comparison of Planar and Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells 

As the world continues to seek sustainable energy solutions, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have emerged as a promising technology for clean and efficient power generation. Among various SOFC designs, the planar and tubular architectures are the most prevalent.

Knowing the difference between the two is imperative for individuals, businesses and communities who are exploring new solutions to their energy needs.

In this blog post, we will conduct an in-depth comparison of planar and tubular SOFCs, exploring their respective advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Understanding the differences between these two designs is crucial for making informed decisions in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

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Generator system

Comparing Diesel Generators and SOFC Generators for Commercial Applications

With today’s increasingly unreliable grid operation, businesses are seeking reliable and efficient power generation solutions for their commercial operations. Historically, diesel generators have been the standard for power generation. Recently, more communities and organizations are considering Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) for their continuous, auxiliary or backup power needs. 

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between diesel generators and SOFC generators, focusing on their suitability for commercial use. We will explore the key factors that businesses should consider when evaluating these two technologies for their power needs.

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SPSs tubular solid oxide fuel cells

The Advantage of Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Over Other Types of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of fuels directly into electrical energy. They are a promising alternative to conventional power generation technologies, as they are highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and can be used for a variety of applications, ranging from portable power to grid-scale electricity generation.

Among the various types of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a particularly attractive option, as they offer high efficiency, low emissions, and fuel flexibility. In particular, tubular solid oxide fuel cells (TSOFCs) have emerged as promising technology, offering several advantages over other types of fuel cells.

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SPS selected to participate in NASA’s Aeronautics Research Challenge as part of the 2023 University Leadership Initiative (ULI) Award 6

Special Power Sources (SPS) was selected as part of a team to participate in NASA’s Aeronautics Research Challenge dedicated to solving key challenges facing the future of air travel. The team includes 5 universities and 3 companies, including SPS. 

SPS will be joining Tennessee Technological University, Tennessee State University, The Ohio State University, University of Dayton, University of Washington – Bothell, Boeing Research & Technology, and Raytheon Technologies Research Center to develop a preliminary design for an electrified 150-passenger aircraft that uses an ammonia-based integrated propulsion, power, and thermal management system. The team will design and test several components and subsystems in order to create an electrified commercial passenger aircraft with zero-emissions.

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Providing power to remote community

The Future of Power Generation in Remote Environments

For communities and establishments off the grid, power generation has always been a challenge. The sources of power generation are often unreliable or costly to maintain. 

Off-the-grid power generation is a challenge in and of itself, while areas with harsh environments are faced with even less reliable power solutions. 

Will these challenges continue to be a norm for those off the grid or will the future bring better solutions? 

As a leader in solving off-the-grid power challenges and innovators of power generation solutions, we believe that the future will provide opportunities to overcome many of the challenges of remote power generation. Whether the needs are small-scale supplemental power or the ability to provide consistent power, we are finally seeing more reliable and economically sound solutions.

We have all watched power generation change over our lifetimes, but what does the future hold for these communities in harsh remote environments?

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Green energy for residential use

SOFC Use Case For Residential Properties

This is a concept to share the implications of using solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for residential use. 

Problem to solve:

Provide adequate and reliable power to off-grid residential properties. Current solutions are either inadequate for providing consistent energy or require large amounts of costly upkeep. 

Common off-grid power systems

  • Gasoline generator
  • Solar 
  • Wind turbines
  • Water 

Of the commonly used power systems, gasoline generators are the most reliable. However, gasoline generators come with the expense of high maintenance, expensive fuel costs and can be noisy.

At SPS, we have made it our mission to solve these power problems. In this use case, we will show how SOFC can provide a better alternative as a main off-grid residential power system

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SOFC generators

SOFC Generators For Solving Unique Power Needs

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) generators provide an efficient and durable solution for power, especially in areas that are off the grid or in harsh environments. Depending on the generator, it can be used for backup power or as an extended power source. 

As technology advances and evolves, SOFC generators are creating powerful energy solutions for infrastructures, operations, and communities. 

Here at SPS, we are leading the charge in providing remote power solutions for challenging environments including harsh operating conditions and/or remote locations. As we innovate and create solutions for unique projects, we want to share our discoveries and knowledge to help others benefit from our research.

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Remote power generated by SOFC

Current and Future Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is one of the most promising technologies for clean, high-efficiency energy production. Because of their unique attributes and scalable capabilities they are being used for a number of applications and solutions.

SOFC technology is so promising that the US department of energy initiated a program in 2000 to invest in the further development of the technology. Here at Special Power Sources, we’ve earned grants through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) for the purpose of researching the capabilities of SOFC technology for specific applications. 

As the technology further advances more and more people will see the benefits of it. One of our aims is to show the potential for solid oxide fuel cell technology through its various applications. That is what we want to do today.

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Power Generator in the snow on top of a mountain

Generating Power in Extreme and Remote Communities

Generating power in extreme and remote locations has unique challenges and takes careful consideration. These areas rarely are connected to a reliable grid and many traditional means of power generation can’t perform efficiently under extreme conditions and weather. But, those living and working in these locations still expect their power to be stable without the need for consistent maintenance. 

This is true regardless of whether the location is occupied by a small outpost or an entire community.

Most importantly, power generation needs to be done in an efficient and affordable manner. While this can be a challenging problem to solve, it is not impossible. And thanks to advancements in technology, it is becoming a more manageable problem to solve. 

For those communities looking to solve their power needs, we wanted to take the time to discuss the needs and solutions at your disposal.

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How solid oxide fuel cell works

Why Solid Oxide Fuel Cells as a Remote Power Source

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are over a century old but have been seeing rapid innovations and growing use cases over the past several decades. These fuel cells have been used in transportation, industrial equipment, cooling, providing power, and various other applications where direct grid power is unavailable. At SPS, our unique SOFC technology is what has made us a recognized leader in remote power generators. They truly are an amazing source of power for remote applications. 

If you’re looking into generators and possible power sources for a remote location or where auxiliary power is needed, then this information will help. It will help you decide whether SOFC are right for your specific application. 

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Graph demonstrating efficient fuel cell technology

SPS Demonstrates 50% Efficient, Low- Temperature Fuel Cell Technology!

Under DOE project DE-FE0031674 SPS has demonstrated improved cell performance while significantly reducing operating temperature. 

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Special Power Sources selected for Phase I funding through DoE via Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Alliance OH, (23 Feb 2021) – Special Power Sources (SPS)  selected for Phase I funding through Department of Energy (DoE) via Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.  SPS’ proposal, “Tubular, proton-conducting, ceramic reversible fuel cell for high-performance energy storage “ is being awarded a STTR Phase I contract from the DoE.   STTR awards are highly competitive research-based programs that provide U.S. small businesses the opportunity to engage in cutting edge research, development, and commercialization.  Phase I of the STTR program emphasizes important technological challenges, the demonstration of the feasibility of the proposed technology, and allows small businesses to propose new innovative solutions to address them.

“This contract award represents a significant new Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) project area that is expected to expand our current product line technologies into these new and innovative energy storage research and development as well as commercial opportunities.   This latest STTR award will accelerate the growth of SOFC technologies into the low temperature power energy efficient systems for future defense and commercial applications .”- Roland Dixon, President/CEO

ABOUT SPECIAL POWER SOURCES

Special Power Sources (SPS) is a renewable energy technology company developing, manufacturing, and servicing for our 650+ units delivered to USA, Canada and Mexico for Gas & Oil, Telecommunications & Mining Industries. The commercial products, in the 250W to 1500W ranges, have shown tremendous reliability and longevity in remote, off-grid applications even when deployed in “the middle of nowhere”.

Special Power Sources selected for Phase I funding through NASA via Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Alliance OH, (25 Mar 2021) – Special Power Sources (SPS)  selected for Phase I funding through the NASA via Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.  SPS’ proposal, “Robust, high-performance, contaminants-tolerant, reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells for producing Lunar and Martian propellant and generating power “ is being awarded a STTR Phase I contract from NASA.   STTR awards are highly competitive research-based programs that provide U.S. small businesses the opportunity to engage in cutting edge research, development, and commercialization.  Phase I of the STTR program emphasizes important technological challenges, the demonstration of the feasibility of the proposed technology, and allows small businesses to propose new innovative solutions to address them.

“This NASA award will propel our Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology into supporting future Mars and Lunar missions.   SPS is deeply honored to be given the opportunity to make a significant contribution in power technology that is expected to yield sustainable, efficient and innovative technology to these space missions .”- Roland Dixon, President/CEO

ABOUT SPECIAL POWER SOURCES

Special Power Sources (SPS) is a renewable energy technology company developing, manufacturing, and servicing for our 650+ units delivered to USA, Canada and Mexico for Gas & Oil, Telecommunications & Mining Industries. The commercial products, in the 250W to 1500W ranges, have shown tremendous reliability and longevity in remote, off-grid applications even when deployed in “the middle of nowhere”.   Since 2019, SPS has been awarded numerous Research and Development (R&D) prime contract opportunities between the US Army, US Air Force, Department of Energy and NASA for efficient groundbreaking remote, space and aviation system applications.

Tennessee Technology University and Special Power Sources wins award for ARPA-E Range Extenders program.

Alliance OH, (12 Jul 2021) – Tennessee Tech University (TTU) with Special Power Sources (SPS) as the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) provider was selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) “Range Extenders for Electric Aviation with Low Carbon and High Efficiency” (REEACH) program.   TTU and SPS will work to develop a Energy Storage and Power Generation (EPSG) System capable of providing power for all-electric commercial aircraft.  ARPA-E awards are cutting edge, highly competitive research-based programs that provide U.S. small businesses the opportunity to engage in research, development, and commercialization.  TTU and SPS will combine a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stack with a gas turbine combustor to address challenges faced in all electric propulsion-based aviation. The combined SOFC- combustor concept maximizes power density and efficiency while minimizing system complexity, weight, and cost. By eliminating components and subsystems typically found in fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid systems, this design provides operational flexibility with a rapid response to flight and load conditions and enables system startup in less than 30 minutes.

“This ARPA-E subcontract award will propel our Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology into future all electric aviation technology.   This unique opportunity combines the mature SPS tubular SOFC technology and gas turbine systems to demonstrate using carbon neutral liquid fuels (CNLFs) into electric power for aircraft propulsion and other systems.”- Roland Dixon, President/CEO

ABOUT SPECIAL POWER SOURCES

Special Power Sources (SPS) is a renewable energy technology company developing, manufacturing, and servicing for our 650+ units delivered to USA, Canada and Mexico for Gas & Oil, Telecommunications & Mining Industries. The commercial products, in the 250W to 1500W ranges, have shown tremendous reliability and longevity in remote, off-grid applications even when deployed in “the middle of nowhere”.   Since 2019, SPS has been awarded numerous Research and Development (R&D) prime contract opportunities between the US Army, US Air Force, Department of Energy and NASA for groundbreaking remote, space and aviation system applications.

Special Power Sources Among Teams Competing in AFWERX Energy Showcase

Alliance OH – 20 Jan 2021 – AFWERX, the catalyst for fostering innovation within the U.S. Air Force, announced Special Power Sources as one of the 179 participating teams selected from across the globe competing to Reimagining Energy for the DoD. The AFWERX Challenge is centered around six topics – Fixed and Mobile Energy Generation, […]

Special Power Sources (SPS) Selected for Phase I & II Cooperative Research through US ARMY Engineering Research Development (ERDC), Cold Region Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)

Special Power Sources (SPS) Selected for Department of Energy (DOE) Next Generation Durable, Cost Effective, Energy Efficient Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Special Power Sources Acquisition Announcement

Special Power Sources, LLC (“SPS”, the “Company”) has acquired all Atrex Energy (“Atrex”) assets including equipment, Intellectual property, licensing rights, and associated technical data related to the development, manufacture, and field support of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (“SOFC”) power sources. As part of this transaction, SPS has acquired the rights to Hybrid Energy Storage Module […]