Study of a Fuel Cell Cogeneration System Applied to a Brazilian Tertiary Sector

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Luz Silveira ◽  
Elisângela Martins Leal
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Tertiary Sector ◽  
Computer Center ◽  
Cogeneration System ◽  
Decentralized Energy

Abstract In this paper, a methodology for the study of a molten carbonate fuel cell cogeneration system and applied to a computer center building is developed. This system permits the recovery of waste heat, available between 600°C and 700°C, which can be used to the production of steam, hot and cold water, hot and cold air, depending on the recuperation equipment associated. Initially, some technical information about the most diffusing types of the fuel cell demonstration in the world are presented. In conclusion, the fuel cell cogeneration system may have an excellent opportunity to strengthen the decentralized energy production in the Brazilian tertiary sector.

A Techno-Economic Analysis for MCFC Cogeneration System

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisaˆngela Martins Leal
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Tertiary Sector ◽  
Water Demands ◽  
Cogeneration System ◽  
Decentralized Energy ◽  
Absorption Refrigeration System ◽  
Economic Analyses

In this paper, a methodology for the study of a fuel cell cogeneration system and applied to a university campus is developed. The cogeneration system consists of a molten carbonate fuel cell associated to an absorption refrigeration system. The electrical and cold-water demands of the campus are about 1,000 kW and 1,840 kW (at 7°C), respectively. The energy, exergy and economic analyses are presented. This system uses natural gas as the fuel and operates on electric party. In conclusion, the fuel cell cogeneration system may have an excellent opportunity to strengthen the decentralized energy production in the Brazilian tertiary sector.

An Investigation of DIR-MCFC Based Cooling, Heating and Power System

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Indraneel Samanta ◽  
Ramesh K. Shah ◽  
Ali Ogut
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Absorption Chiller ◽  
Internal Reforming ◽  
Cogeneration System

The fuel cell is an emerging technology for stationary power generation because of their higher energy conversion efficiency and extremely low environmental pollution. Fuel cell systems with cogeneration have even higher overall efficiency. Cogeneration can be defined as simultaneous production of electric power and useful heat from burning of single fuel. A fuel cell produces electrical energy by electrolytic process involving chemical reaction between H2 (fuel) and O2 (Air). Previous works have focussed on running the system in combination with gas turbines. We investigate the possibility of running an absorption chiller as a cogeneration system focussing on a 250 kW Direct Internal Reforming Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (DIR-MCFC) powering a LiBr-Water absorption chiller. The objective of this work is to propose a cogeneration system capable of enhancing the profitability and efficiency of a MCFC for independent distributed power generation. Natural gas is used as fuel and O2 is used from atmospheric air. Two possibilities are evaluated to recover heat from the exhaust of the MCFC: (1) all waste heat available being used for providing hot water in the building and powering an absorption chiller in summer, and (2) hot water supply and space heating in winter. There is an increased cost saving for each case along with improved system efficiency. Based on these considerations payback period for each case is presented.

Power Cycle Integration and Efficiency Increase of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Systems

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petar Varbanov ◽  
Jiří Klemeš ◽  
Ramesh K. Shah ◽  
Harmanjeet Shihn
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Steam Turbines ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Carbonate Fuel Cell

A new view is presented on the concept of the combined cycle for power generation. Traditionally, the term “combined cycle” is associated with using a gas turbine in combination with steam turbines to better utilize the exergy potential of the burnt fuel. This concept can be broadened, however, to the utilization of any power-generating facility in combination with steam turbines, as long as this facility also provides a high-temperature waste heat. Such facilities are high temperature fuel cells. Fuel cells are especially advantageous for combined cycle applications since they feature a remarkably high efficiency—reaching an order of 45–50% and even close to 60%, compared to 30–35% for most gas turbines. The literature sources on combining fuel cells with gas and steam turbines clearly illustrate the potential to achieve high power and co-generation efficiencies. In the presented work, the extension to the concept of combined cycle is considered on the example of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) working under stationary conditions. An overview of the process for the MCFC is given, followed by the options for heat integration utilizing the waste heat for steam generation. The complete fuel cell combined cycle (FCCC) system is then analyzed to estimate the potential power cost levels that could be achieved. The results demonstrate that a properly designed FCCC system is capable of reaching significantly higher efficiency compared to the standalone fuel cell system. An important observation is that FCCC systems may result in economically competitive power production units, comparable with contemporary fossil power stations.

Fuel cell power system applications in Japan

1997 ◽  
Vol 211 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Efficient Performance ◽  
Urban Energy ◽  
Cogeneration System ◽  
Plant Stage ◽  
Under Construction

Many types of fuel cells such as the PAFC (phosphoric acid fuel cell), MCFC (molten carbonate fuel cell), SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) and PEFC (polymer electrolyte fuel cell) have been developed for utility use in Japan. Among them, the PAFC is now in the ‘plant’ stage. Several MW class large-capacity demonstration plant and many smaller-capacity units have been constructed and tested for the purpose of evaluation on their efficiency, operability and durability. Those MW class plants are expected to be used as an urban energy cenlre or a cogeneration system. Smaller units arc installed for many kinds of applications such as in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, etc. Efficient performance of fuel cell power plant has been demonstrated by those PAFC plants and units. In addition, the possibility of higher efficiency is indicated by other fuel cells in their stack level, and MCFC plant is under construction to demonstrate its performance. In the next stages, it will be required to demonstrate superior durability and cost perspective in comparison with a conventional power generation system.

Gasification and Fuel Cell Integration With Bottoming Turbine Cycle: Performances of a Hybrid Plant for Electricity Production

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lunghi ◽  
R. Burzacca
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Operating Pressure ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Gasification Process

The increasing need of energy resources along with the growing environmental interest promote the creation of new concepts in the field of energy production and management strategies. The development of high temperature fuel cells, suitable for stationary energy production, is one of the most promising aspects, able to bring a significant change in the power generation scenario. One of the most important features for fuel cells is the potential coupling with advanced gasification systems, thus enabling the possibility of energy recovery from waste, RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) and biomass. The gasification process transfers the energetic value of the original solid fuel to a gaseous product rich in hydrogen, carbon monoxide and dioxide, and other compounds. A post-gasification treatment removes tars, particulates, impurities and makes the gas suitable for power production in a fuel cell unit. In this work an example of an innovative plant for biomass utilization has been considered. The plant includes a gasification section and a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell unit, coupled with a hot gas cleanup system. For gasification technology, a recent typology was considered involving an indirect heating system such as the Battelle process. Gaseous streams conveyed to the cell after the conditioning processes were considered. In order to achieve higher efficiencies, a bottoming cycle has been added. It comprises a turbine power plant integrated with the gasification and fuel cell lay-out. In the turbine cycle air is compressed in the operating pressure and internally heated by the waste heat of the fuel cell and of the gasification process. The expanded air is then used in the combustion reactor of the gasification system. The proposed plant allows high electric efficiency and high flexibility in choosing for air compression ratio and unit size; sensitivity analyses were performed.

Analysis of a molten carbonate fuel cell: cogeneration to produce electricity and cold water

Energy ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 891-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luz Silveira ◽  
Elisângela Martins Leal ◽  
Luiz F Ragonha
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Carbonate Fuel Cell

Construction and Performance Evaluation of Prototype Atmospheric Pressure Turbine (APT)

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Inoue ◽  
E. Harada ◽  
J. Kitajima ◽  
K. Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Distributed Power ◽  
Distributed Power Generation

This research seeks to propose an atmospheric pressure turbine (ATP), based on the Inverted Brayton Cycle, which puts new, distributed power generation technology to practical use by using various gases at normal pressures and high temperature, from industrial furnaces, waste gasification furnaces, gas turbines, and fuel cells which work at high temperatures, (ex. MCFC: Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell, SOFC: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) and attempts to save energy and reduce CO2. However, no research has been presented about the operation of a real APT. This paper describes a review of the effectiveness of APT, and shows an outline for the results of a trial run, as well as the production of an APT prototype. The simulation results using a process simulator “HYSYS” show that a 30 kW system has a generator end efficiency (LHV) of about 32%, which is comparable to the performance of other equipment of a similar power rating, such as micro gas turbines. Based on this simulation result we build a 3–5 kW APT prototype and operate. The result of this operation clarifies the basic characteristics of an APT including a performance of 8.7% thermal efficiency. An APT has a smaller specific power than a gas turbine. Accordingly, since its mechanical and dissipative heat losses are larger by comparison, it is important to reduce these losses to attain higher efficiency. Our APT was operated stably and the possibility can be used as a new system for distributed power generation using waste heat was confirmed.

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