Status of molten-carbonate fuel-cell program

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6342328

Krumpelt, M; Ackerman, J

The Department of Energy (DOE) is sponsoring a program to develop molten-carbonate fuel cells. These advanced fuel cells promise coal-to-bus-bar efficiencies of about 50% and are environmentally very attractive. Although oil and gas can be used as fuel with up to 60% efficiency, the main application is anticipated in conjunction with coal gasifiers. DOE's strategy is to help industrial corporations to develop the basic hardware to a point where users and vendors can undertake the risk of commercialization. At present, stacks of small (about .1 m/sup 2/) cells have been run and commercial scale (1.4 m/sup 2/) electrolyte structures have been fabricated. Commercial-size cells are scheduled to run in 1981, with short stacks of cells in 1982 and full commercial size stacks in 1984. Power-plant systems have been defined to guide development. Cogeneration applications are being planned. Component costs and cell-life are nearing the goal required for commercial applications.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6342328
• Report Number(s): CONF-810812-49; ON: DE83009618
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300501* -- Fuel Cells-- Design & Development
COAL GASIFICATION
COGENERATION
DESIGN
DEUS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FLUIDS
FUEL CELLS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GASIFICATION
HIGH-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS
MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELLS
POWER GENERATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
STEAM GENERATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES