Mitsubishi receives first order for its integrated fuel cell and gas turbine hybrid

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has received the first order (Note) for its pressurized hybrid power generation system integrating solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks with micro gas turbines (MGT). Launched for the commercial and industrial market, this system is being installed in the Marunouchi Building in Tokyo, owned and operated by Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. The Marunouchi Building is located near the Tokyo Station. The hybrid is scheduled to start generating in 2019.

This hybrid system uses city gas as fuel, generating electricity with both ceramic SOFC stacks that operate at a high temperature of around 900 C, and MGTs. The gas turbine and the cogeneration system bring the combined efficienty to more than 73%. Carbon emissions are said to be down by 47% compared to conventional power generation systems.

MHPS conducted demonstration tests of 250 kilowatt (KW) class systems with the support of Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) research agency. Demonstration equipment was installed at four locations in Japan. In August 2017, Mitsubishi announced it was ready with the product for the market.

The project is backed by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as well as the Tokyo metropolitan government.