Status of an MWth integrated gasification fuel cell power-generation system in China

Abstract

Here, we provide a status update of an integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) power-generation system being developed at the National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon in China at the megawatt thermal (MWth) scale. This system is designed to use coal as fuel to produce syngas as a first step, similar to that employed for the integrated gasification combined cycle. Subsequently, the solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) system is used to convert chemical energy to electricity directly through an electrochemical reaction without combustion. This system leads to higher efficiency as compared with that from a traditional coal-fired power plant. The unreacted fuel in the SOFC system is transported to an oxygen-combustor to be converted to steam and carbon dioxide (CO2). Through a heat-recovery system, the steam is condensed and removed, and CO2 is enriched and captured for sequestration or utilization. Comprehensive economic analyses for a typical IGFC system was performed and the results were compared with those for a supercritical pulverized coal-fired power plant. The SOFC stacks selected for IGFC development were tested and qualified under hydrogen and simulated coal syngas fuel. Experimental results using SOFC stacks and thermodynamic analyses indicated that the control of hydrogen/CO ratio of syngas and steam/CO ratio is important to avoid carbon deposition with the fuel pipe. A 20-kW SOFC unit is under development with design power output of 20 kW and DC efficiency of 50.41%. A 100 kW-level subsystem will consist of 6 × 20-kW power-generation units, and the MWth IGFC system will consist of 5 × 100 kW-level subsystems.

Nanotechnologies in ceramic electrochemical cells

“…(a) Current density (OCEC, 40 PCEC 41 ), hydrogen sources (OCEC, 42 PCEC 43 ), electrical efficiency (OCEC, 34 PCEC, 14 expected to reach the goal), degradation rate (OCEC: 0.3-0.4%/1000 h at 800 1C, 44 PCEC: o30 mV/1000 h 14 ), durability (OCEC: 10 700 h, 45 20 000 h, 34 PCEC: 1200 h 14 ), and cost effectiveness (OCEC: 44 $ per kg H 2 , 34 PCEC: lack of reliable data). (b) Stack cost (OCFC, 46 PCFC: lack of reliable data), durability (OCFC: 15000 h, 45 ten years, 47 PCFC: 8000 h 48 ), degradation rate (OCFC: B0.5%/1000 h, 47 PCFC: o1.5%/1000 h 48 ), efficiency (OCFC, 49 PCFC: 57.8% LHV 50 ), fuel sources (OCFC, 51 PCFC 48 ), and output capacity (OCFC, 52 PCFC, 53 expected to reach the goal).…”

Simulation Integrated Low Rank Coal Gasification SOFC Fuel Cell using Cycle Tempo: Energetic Analysis

“…However, there is a growing need to explore other power generation systems with higher efficiency. In this regard, gasification systems integrated with fuel cells were found to be more efficient than CHP and IGCC [1,2]. Fuel cells has numerous advantages, among which is its ability to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, high efficiency, environmental friendliness, modularity, and quick installation [3].…”

Special issue on integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) technology

“…Finally, the status update of the IGFC power generation system being developed at the National Institute of Cleanand-Low-Carbon (NICE) at the MW th scale is provided (Wei et al 2021).…”