Case Study: United Technologies Research Center achieves lower SOFC development costs with PRICE Systems

United Technologies Hits Cost Targets While Achieving Design Goals

The United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) was challenged by the U.S. Department of Energy to design a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with a dramatically reduced manufacturing cost, targeting $400 per kilowatt within a decade. To get these cost estimates right, UTRC contracted with PRICE Systems for assistance.

PRICE Systems' consultant used parametric cost estimates and the Cost As An Independent Variable (CAIV) process to conduct cost-technical trade studies. In just three weeks, PRICE helped UTRC substantiate the cost goals and successfully develop SOFC design concepts that met the initial $800 per kilowatt target, paving the way for the subsequent, more affordable architectures.

United Technologies Research Center

Toan Nguyen

Executive Consultant