Russia's UEC produces natural gas fuel cell power unit with over 50% efficiency
MOSCOW. July 4 (Interfax) - United Engine Corporation (UEC), which is part of Rostec, will debut its latest fuel cell power unit at the Innoprom international industrial exhibition, UEC said.
The unit generates electricity without fuel combustion through electrochemical conversion. Operating on natural gas (while adaptable to other energy sources), it achieves over 50% efficiency - outperforming most small-scale energy solutions under 1 MW, the manufacturer said.
The prototype utilizes solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and has completed successful testing. Initial samples deliver 2.5 kW capacity, though UEC plans to develop 20-400 kW units for a small-capacity equipment line. This technology targets the power supply for remote settlements and industrial facilities, Rostec said.
The working principle of fuel cells is based on the electrochemical oxidation of fuel (hydrogen, methane, propane, ethyl alcohol and others) by an oxygen-containing gas mixture. In this process, the energy from the chemical reaction is converted primarily into electrical energy, rather than thermal energy as in combustion, through the movement of electrons from the anode to the cathode. This significantly reduces energy losses to the environment and increases the device's efficiency.
The exhibition will also feature the NK-37 gas turbine engine by Samara-based UEC-Kuznetsov. Building upon this modernized engine, UEC Engineering is developing advanced 25-32 MW gas turbine power plants. "The new equipment's high power density, compact dimensions and modular design enable rapid deployment at any industrial site," UEC said.
"NK-37 combines high efficiency, reliability and low operating costs, making it optimal for modular gas turbine power plants. The power units based on it will provide autonomous operation on natural gas or diesel fuel. Its unique adaptation to extreme climatic conditions makes the rapidly deployable and mobile power plants an ideal solution for remote regions and industrial sites," UEC Engineering General Director Andrei Vorobyov was quoted as saying.
At the UEC stand, a model of the new-generation AL-41ST-25 industrial gas turbine engine with a capacity of 25 MW will be on display, along with a virtual simulator for studying its structure and operating principles. The VR-based complex allows users to examine all components and parts of the engine from different angles and in cross-section. This will give specialists from operating companies the opportunity to learn the design and practice maintenance skills.
UEC Engineering LLC is a comprehensive supplier of gas compressor units and power plants based on gas turbine engines. It provides maintenance services and supports the delivery of equipment ranging from 2.5 to 118 MW in capacity.
JSC United Engine Corporation, part of Rostec state corporation, is the only company in Russia specializing in the development, serial production and maintenance of engines for aviation, space programs, the oil and gas industry and power generation.
