Modelling of a novel catalytic supercritical water gasification power plant combined with reversible solid oxide cell

Abstract

Using catalytic supercritical water gasification (CSCWG) in generating energy from wet biomass is efficient and environmentally friendly. However, one of the main challenges in using CSCWG is the low syngas yield and low heating value. Syngas for power and for synthetic fuel production requires high-purity and a high heating value. In this work, a novel system is proposed which increases the CSCWG syngas heating value and yield and produce electricity using a reversible solid oxide cell (ReSOC). The plant can be used for syngas production, working in electrolyser mode powered by excess renewable electrical energy. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that the energy efficiency of the CSCWG-SOEC is in the order of 72%, in this mode the syngas yield increases around five times and is rich in hydrogen and methane, its composition allows operation within the carbon-free region of the C-H-O diagram.