Integration of molten carbonate fuel cells for synthesis of nitrogen compounds

摘要

In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with processes for synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a synthesis process in various manners, including providing hydrogen for use in producing ammonia. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a methanol synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds.

主权项

1. A method for synthesizing nitrogen-containing compounds, the method comprising:
introducing a fuel stream comprising a reformable fuel into an anode of a molten carbonate fuel cell, an internal reforming element associated with the anode, or a combination thereof; introducing a cathode inlet stream comprising CO2 and O2 into a cathode of the fuel cell; generating electricity within the molten carbonate fuel cell; generating an anode exhaust comprising H2 and CO2; separating CO2 from at least a portion of the anode exhaust to produce a CO2-rich stream having a CO2 content greater than a CO2 content of the anode exhaust and a CO2-depleted gas stream having an H2 content greater than an H2 content of the anode exhaust; and using at least a portion of the CO2-depleted gas stream in an ammonia synthesis process, wherein the molten carbonate fuel cell is operated (i) such that a CO2 utilization in the cathode is at least about 60% and either (ii) so as to achieve a thermal ratio from about 0.25 to about 1.15, or (iii) such that an amount of the reformable fuel introduced into the anode, the internal reforming element associated with the anode, or the combination thereof, provides a reformable fuel surplus ratio of at least about 1.5, or (iv) both (ii) and (iii).