Integrated power generation and carbon capture using fuel cells

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for capturing CO2 from a combustion source using molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). The fuel cells are operated to have a reduced anode fuel utilization. Optionally, at least a portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as a fuel for the combustion source. Optionally, a second portion of the anode exhaust is recycled for use as part of an anode input stream. This can allow for a reduction in the amount of fuel cell area required for separating CO2 from the combustion source exhaust and / or modifications in how the fuel cells are operated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. Nos. 61 / 787,587, 61 / 787,697, 61 / 787,879, and 61 / 788,628, all filed on Mar. 15, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. Nos. 61 / 884,376, 61 / 884,545, 61 / 884,565, 61 / 884,586, 61 / 884,605, and 61 / 884,635, all filed on Sep. 30, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application further claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 889,757, filed on Oct. 11, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0002]This application is related to 25 other co-pending U.S. applications, filed on even date herewith, and identified by the following Attorney Docket numbers and titles: 2013EM104-US2 entitled “Integrated Power Generation and Carbon Capture using Fuel Cells”; 2013EM104-US3 entitled “Integrated Power Generation and Carbon Capture using Fuel Cells”; 2013EM107-US2...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for capturing carbon dioxide from a combustion source. The method involves combining fuel and O2-containing stream in a combustion zone and performing a combustion reaction to produce a combustion exhaust containing CO2. The exhaust is then processed using a fuel cell array to produce electricity. The method is advantageous in that it allows for the recycling of CO2-depleted exhaust back to the combustion zone for further use.

Problems solved by technology

The energy required for CO2 separation reduces the overall efficiency of the power generation process.

However, conventional combinations of a combustion powered turbine or generator with fuel cells for carbon separation have resulted in a net reduction in power generation efficiency per unit of fuel consumed.

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