Decentralized power and heat derived from an eco-innovative integrated gasification fuel cell combined cycle fuelled by waste

Abstract

The suitability for fuel cells to run on synthesis gas coming from the gasification of waste is determined by the sensitivity of the fuel cell to run on contaminated fuel. Out of the available fuel cell technologies solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), because of their ceramic construction and high operating temperatures, are best suited for syngas operation. Their high operating temperature (>650 ◦C) and the presence of nickel at the anode means that it is possible to reform hydrocarbons to provide further hydrogen [1]. Numerical simulations representing all aspects of the proposed system have been developed to understand the energy performance of the system as a whole as well as the financial and environmental benefits. Taking into account variations in the waste composition and the wholesale electricity price the proposed system, scaled to process 100,000 tonnes of waste per year (40,000 removed for recycling), has a simple payback period of 7.2 years whilst providing CO2 savings of 13%. Over the year the proposed system will provide enough electricity to supply more than 23,000 homes and enough heat for more than 5800 homes.