Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is very promising because of its intrinsic simplicity and efficiency. SOFC systems can be used in several sectors including residential, commercial and industrial combined heat and power(CHP), distributed generation, auxiliary power units for the transportation sector, and portable power. Benefits of SOFC technology are consistent with current trends such as liberalization of energy markets, growing environmental concerns and shift towards distributed utilities. The most promising features of SOFC systems are high efficiencies, fuel flexibility and negligible harmful emissions like particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, unburned CO and hydrocarbons. Competitive systems, for example gas engines, gas turbines and combined cycle units, are setting the base-line for economic and technical specifications. SOFC hybrids are better than existing technologies with respect to electrical efficiency, part-load efficiency, and emissions; however, their control speed, control range, investment cost and lifetime have yet to be fully established. The longer start-up time of SOFC systems compared to gas engines is a clear disadvantage for certain market applications. Many companies are involved in developing and testing SOFC systems such as Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation and Sulzer Hexis.
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