FuelCell Energy and University of Connecticut Collaborate on Sustainable Energy Innovation
Key Ideas
- FuelCell Energy and UConn partner to implement solid oxide fuel cell technology for the Innovation Partnership Building at the UConn Tech Park, supporting the campus' carbon neutrality goals.
- UConn will oversee technical work in regional partnerships for a Department of Energy decarbonization project, enhancing research and learning opportunities for students.
- The project at UConn involves two phases of solid oxide fuel cell installations, promoting academic analysis and integrating thermal energy recovery into the building's microgrid.
- FuelCell Energy's SOFC system, running on hydrogen and other fuels, provides reliable, efficient, and low-carbon power, contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing carbon footprint.
FuelCell Energy, Inc. and the University of Connecticut have announced a collaboration to implement FuelCell Energy's solid oxide fuel cell technology at the UConn Tech Park in Storrs, Connecticut. The project involves the installation of four 250-kilowatt solid oxide fuel cells, totaling one megawatt of electricity generation capacity, to power the Innovation Partnership Building independently from the local utility grid. This initiative aligns with UConn's goal to become carbon neutral by 2030 and promotes sustainable energy innovation.
UConn and FuelCell Energy will also work together on educational opportunities for students, including lectures, facility tours, and internships. Additionally, UConn will oversee technical work in regional partnerships for a Department of Energy decarbonization project, enhancing research opportunities.
The project will be completed in two phases, with data collected from the fuel cells used for academic analysis. The system will be integrated into a building microgrid, and any excess power will be exported to the grid. The units will operate in a combined heat and power mode, allowing for thermal energy recovery within the building's infrastructure. UConn's Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship highlighted the importance of meeting power needs sustainably.
FuelCell Energy's solid oxide fuel cell system is capable of running on various fuels, including hydrogen, natural gas, and biogas. It provides reliable and efficient power with a low carbon footprint, contributing to UConn's sustainability goals. This partnership signifies a positive step towards sustainable energy solutions and research collaboration between academia and industry.