Gasifier having integrated fuel cell power generation system

A method of steam reforming carbonaceous material to produce H2 and CO while simultaneously producing power, the method comprising:

• providing a steam reformer vessel having a fluidized bed containing bed material;
• providing at least one fuel cell element which protrudes into the fluidized bed, the at least one fuel cell element comprising an outer anode and an inner cathode with the outer anode being in direct contact with the bed material and the cathode being supplied with an oxidant;
• introducing carbonaceous material and superheated steam into the fluidized bed;
• and
• operating the fluidized bed such that:
• (i) the fuel cell element outputs power;
• (ii) the superheated steam reacts endothermically with the carbonaceous material to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the fluidized bed, by steam reforming;
• (iii) oxygen is transported from the cathode to the anode and reacts exothermically with hydrogen in the fluidized bed to produce additional steam and heat which are then used in said steam reforming to produce additional hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the fluidized bed;
• and
• (iv) the bed material operates at a temperature of about 600° C. to about 1,000° C.