Integrated high-temperature electronics

Small systems of a few kWe are not likely to operate under high pressure. Currently available high-temperature fuel-cell systems reach electrical capacities of around 250 kWe (for these systems, the integration of a gas turbine can raise electric efficiency up to 60%). Table 3.8 indicates the current investment costs for stationary high-temperature fuel cells (IEA, 2005 Blesl et al., 2004 Alanne el al., 2006). Today, the manufacturing cost of PEM fuel cells is reported to vary depending on scale, power electronics requirements, and reformer requirements, with retail prices varying between 3000/kW and 6000/kW (Cotrell et al., 2003 Fuel Cells, 2000). 

Bellcore s keen interest was understandable. The central office of a telephone company is, after all, one gigantic computer, and the new materials offered endless opportunities to improve communications technology. For example, very large-scale integrated circuitry (known as VLSI in the trade), the tiny complex of electronic components and their connections that are embedded in or on thin slices of silicon—the familiar microchips—could benefit enormously from the development of practical, high-temperature superconducting materials. 

---