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The molten carbonate fuel cell technology in cogeneration applications

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5346146
A molten carbonate fuel cell integrated with a coal gasifier is one of the most promising coal based technologies for electric power. The high-temperature heat available from the fuel cell may be used in a bottoming cycle and/or industrial cogeneration applications. This high fuel cell operating temperature also permits integration of the fuel reforming step into the cell stack when using natural gas as fuel. This results in a dramatic increase in electrical efficiency at some loss in thermal quality of the waste heat. Preliminary projections yield efficiencies exceeding 60%. This system design would be relatively uncomplicated and would not require operation at elevated pressures. The status of current molten carbonate technology will be reviewed to identify technical trends and alternative approaches being pursued by developers. The priority of future research and engineering needed will also be discussed.
Research Organization:
Institute for Gas Technology, Chicago, IL
OSTI ID:
5346146
Report Number(s):
CONF-820814-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English