Scientific and technical maturity of molten carbonate technology

摘要: Abstract The molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is sometimes referred to as a “mature” technology. Thereby implied that further development of the MCFC may not be expected yield innovation in technology and thereby diversity applications. However, for clear view role tomorrow's energy systems it makes more sense distinguish between “scientific maturity” “technical maturity”. These concepts are discussed with special reference commercial prospects MCFC, well cells general. Of interest two cases where relative “maturity” or “immaturity” have impact on potential applications, either retarding accelerating development. first case fed by carbon, is, solid fuel, semi-solid sludge, such biocarbon. optimal design hindered immaturity”, specifically, lack insight intrinsic kinetics these “substrates” carbonate. An illustration provided difficulty interpreting open-circuit measurements carbon second one-sided emphasis scale-up cells, whereas scale-down (miniaturization) has much offer. A consequence this immaturity” that, initially, there was little small hybrid employing small-scale other components batteries, PV (super)capacitors. This lag now finally being overcome. Some conceptual practical examples cell/battery SOFC given.