Applications of internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cells

Conference · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5590693

Maru, H C; Baker, B S

A modified version of the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is being developed which is capable of direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas, methanol, alcohol, propane, coal-derived synthetic gas and others. This version is termed internal reforming MCFC or Direct Fuel Cell, DFC. The DFC provides an ideal match of heat and mass transfer requirements within the cell, and minimizes external processing equipment. Efficiencies as high as 55 to 60% can be expected, making DFC a unique and practical device. The overall system is expected to be simple and cost effective. Many attractive applications exist for the simple and highly efficient DFC generators. Natural gas fueled dispersed generators in the size range of 500kW to 10 Mw may provide early market entry. DFC applications to smaller-size on-site power plants, large coal-powered central stations and industrial cogeneration applications can follow once the technology is demonstrated and manufacturing base is established. 8 references, 3 figures, 2 table.

• Research Organization: Energy Research Corp., Danbury, CT
• OSTI ID: 5590693
• Report Number(s): CONF-860303-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Journal Volume: 13
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300504* -- Fuel Cells-- Applications
ALCOHOL FUEL CELLS
ALCOHOLS
COGENERATION
DEUS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FUEL CELLS
HYDROCARBON FUEL CELLS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
METHANOL
NATURAL GAS FUEL CELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POWER GENERATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
STEAM GENERATION
USES