Internal Reforming for Natural Gas Fueled Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells

摘要

A natural gas fueled molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is an attractive system for efficient electricity generation. The system yields maximum efficiency while operating on internal reforming mode. Among the various configurations evaluated for internal reforming MCFC, direct internal reforming appears to be most promising. Compared to the conventional baseline external reformer system, it can save as much as 20% natural gas at reduced capital and operating costs. The feasibility of internal reforming in MCFC has been verified through laboratory-scale (10 sq cm) cell tests followed by a successful scale-up to bench-scale (300 sq cm) cell. Bench-scale cells have been operated with direct methane feed up to 2000 hours. The results of system analysis and experimental work show that a successful development of the internal reforming MCFC will result in significant savings of natural gas and a cost effective electricity generation.