Power generation system and method with exhaust side solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

The present system and method relate to power generation utilizing an exhaust side solid oxide fuel cell. Fuel is burned in an engine in the presence of air. The engine exhaust passes through a solid oxide fuel cell where it is consumed in the production of electricity and ionization of oxygen in an air stream also introduced to the solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell effluent fuel stream and/or air stream can be recycled through the engine, directed through a turbine to recover additional energy therefrom, and/or passed through a catalytic converter. The resulting system exhaust has negligible to zero amounts of nitric oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.