Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Systems are being developed and manufactured by a number of companies worldwide. Opportunities to form partnerships with companies developing molten carbonate fuel cell technology can be accessed here.
Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC’s) have a molten carbonate electrolyte (usually sodium or lithium), are suited for large-scale stationary Combined Heat and Power, and require light hydrocarbon fuels.
Characteristics of molten carbonate fuel cells include:
Fuel: Natural Gas, biogas, synthesis gas (syngas), methane, propane, landfill gas
Operating Temperature: 650°C
Efficiencies: Up to 50% electrical efficiency and 85% with cogeneration
Applications: Medium to large-scale stationary applications
Commercial viability: A major advantage of MCFC’s is that non-expensive catalysts can be used, in conjunction with a variety of fuels. Due to high temperatures and long start-up times, MCFC’s are unsuitable for domestic applications. There is considerable potential for multi-megawatt applications
Additional Information: MCFC’s work very differently from most other types of fuel cells, and cannot operate on pure Hydrogen alone. High temperatures prevent the need for an external reformer, however high temperatures also enhance corrosion and catalyse the breakdown of components.
Chemical Equations:
Anode Reaction: CO32- + H2 »» H2O + CO2 + 2e-
Cathode Reaction: CO2+ ½O2 + 2e- »» CO32- |
