Integrated power generation and carbon capture using fuel cells
AssigneeExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
InventorsPaul J. Berlowitz, Timothy Andrew Barckholtz, Frank H. Hershkowitz, Alessandro Faldi
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells are operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and/or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.
Claims13
A method for producing electricity, the method comprising:
- introducing a recycled anode exhaust fuel stream, a low energy content fuel stream, and an O2-containing stream into a combustion zone, the recycled anode exhaust fuel stream comprising H2, the low energy content fuel stream comprising at least about 30 vol % of one or more inert gasses;
- performing a combustion reaction in the combustion zone to generate a combustion exhaust;
- introducing an anode fuel stream comprising a reformable fuel into an anode of a molten carbonate fuel cell, an internal reforming element associated with the anode of the molten carbonate fuel cell, or a combination thereof;
- introducing a cathode inlet stream comprising CO2 and O2 into a cathode of the molten carbonate fuel cell;
- generating electricity within the molten carbonate fuel cell;
- generating an anode exhaust comprising H2 from an anode outlet of the molten carbonate fuel cell;
- and
- separating at least a portion of the anode exhaust to form the recycled anode exhaust fuel stream.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.