Integrated power generation and chemical production using fuel cells at a reduced electrical efficiency

摘要

In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell at conditions that can improve or optimize the combined electrical efficiency and chemical efficiency of the fuel cell. Instead of selecting conventional conditions for maximizing the electrical efficiency of a fuel cell, the operating conditions can allow for output of excess synthesis gas and/or hydrogen in the anode exhaust of the fuel cell. The synthesis gas and/or hydrogen can then be used in a variety of applications, including chemical synthesis processes and collection of hydrogen for use as a fuel.

主权项

1. A method for producing electricity, and H2 or syngas, using a molten carbonate fuel cell having an anode and cathode, the method comprising:
introducing an anode fuel stream comprising a reformable fuel into the anode of the 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 the cathode of the molten carbonate fuel cell; generating electricity within the molten carbonate fuel cell; generating an anode exhaust from an anode outlet of the molten carbonate fuel cell; separating from the anode exhaust a H2-containing stream, a syngas-containing stream, or a combination thereof, wherein an electrical efficiency for the molten carbonate fuel cell is between about 10% and about 40% and a total fuel cell efficiency for the molten carbonate fuel cell of at least about 55%.