Electrochemical Gasification in a Direct Carbon Fuel Cell
T.V. Ottevanger (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Kas Hemmes – Graduation committee member
Linda Manon Kamp – Mentor (TU Delft - Energy and Industry)
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Abstract
Electricity generation in a Direct Carbon Fuel Cell has thermodynamic advantages over conventional methods, because the DCFC is not limited by the Carnot efficiency. This thesis analyzes and models a DCFC where the electrochemical oxidation of carbon to carbon monoxide is taken into account, which is an endothermic reaction. The heat necessary for this reaction is converted directly into electricity, so the DCFC can achieve a theoretical reversible efficiency of >100%. The heat is provided by a solar reactor, which converts methane into hydrogen and solid carbon by thermal decomposition. The formed solid carbon particles is fuel for the DCFC. The produced CO at the anode of the DCFC is used in a WGS reactor where it reacts with steam to form hydrogen. In this way we present a Multi-Source Multi-Product energy system.
The MSMP energy system is modelled in Cycle Tempo and we use the modelling results to perform a feasibility study and exergy analysis. The exergy analysis showed that the solar reactor contributes the most to the total exergy losses in the system.
Considering the fact that the WGS reactor is a mature technology, the solar reactor is based on existing technology (CSP), and solutions to challenges in heat handling and mass transfer are available in the process industry, the MSMP energy system has high potential to be technically feasible. We calculated that the unknown costs of the MSMP energy system need to be lower than 29.8 €/MWhp to be competitive with conventional hydrogen production methods and need to be lower than 34.8 €/MWhp to be competitive with a gas fired plant. Based on current market prices for methane, hydrogen and electricity in Algeria and based on the fact that we were able to determine the costs of the majority of components in the MSMP energy system, it is likely that the unknown costs will not exceed our determined maximum unknown costs. This shows the economic feasibility potential. We calculated that the MSMP energy system emits 37% less CO2 than hydrogen production by steam reforming which indicates the sustainable potential. We concluded that the concept favors a geographical location with high solar density, good gas infrastructure and stable politics. Algeria seemed to meet all those demands. Therefore we conclude that our MSMP energy system has high potential to be socially feasible.
We concluded that our MSMP energy system has high potential to be technically, economically and socially feasible.