Direct fuel cell - A high proficiency power generator for biofuels

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:135690

Patel, P S; Steinfeld, G; Baker, B S ^[1]

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1. Energy Research Corporation, Danbury, CT (United States)

Conversion of renewable bio-based resources into energy offers significant benefits for our environment and domestic economic activity. It also improves national security by displacing fossil fuels. However, in the current economic environment, it is difficult for biofuel systems to compete with other fossil fuels. The biomass-fired power plants are typically smaller than 50 MW, lower in electrical efficiencies (<25%) and experience greater costs for handling and transporting the biomass. When combined with fuel cells such as the Direct Fuel Cell (DFC), biofuels can produce power more efficiently with negligible environmental impact. Agricultural and other waste biomass can be converted to ethanol or methane-rich biofuels for power generation use in the DFC. These DFC power plants are modular and factory assembled. Due to their electrochemical (non-combustion) conversion process, these plants are environmentally friendly, highly efficient and potentially cost effective, even in sizes as small as a few meagawatts. They can be sited closer to the source of the biomass to minimize handling and transportation costs. The high-grade waste heat available from DFC power plants makes them attractive in cogeneration applications for farming and rural communities. The DFC potentially opens up new markets for biofuels derived from wood, grains and other biomass waste products.

• OSTI ID: 135690
• Report Number(s): CONF-9410176--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
BIOMASS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ETHANOL FUELS
ETHANOL PLANTS
FUEL CELL POWER PLANTS
POWER GENERATION