Advanced DIR-MCFC development

Obiettivo

Objectives

The objectives of the project are:
the selection of a combined heat and power (CHP) application for a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell-System with Direct Internal Reforming (DIR-MCFC) in the range of 200-2000 kWe and fuelled with natural gas;
the development of a conceptual system design for this application with optimal reduction of the system complexity and investment cost; the development of a second generation DIR-MCFC technology based on the system requirements, with an innovative approach to life-time extension and with highly efficient thermal, hydraulic and electrolyte management.
Technical Approach

Application selection and end-user requirements:
The European market for medium sized (0.5 - 10 MWe), natural gas fuelled, cogeneration systems is emerging. Typical applications will be selected for which the characteristics of DIR-MCFC are expected to give added market value.
System development:
System cost reduction is the major guideline for the system design studies carried out in the project. Compared to External Reforming (ER) systems, Direct Internal Reforming (DIR) has advantages regarding the simplicity and cost of both the stack and the system.
Stack development:
Design concepts for a second generation internal manifolded DIR stack are currently being developed. The key issues are:
- Optimisation of interfaces between stack and system
- Improved thermal management
- Improved resistance to internal differential pressures
- Stack life-time extended to 25000 hours

Expected Achievements and Exploitation

Application of a DIR-MCFC in the range of 200-2000 kWe
- identification of a characteristic CHP application for a DIR-MCFC reference system with functional system specifications;
- specifications and development plans for components and sub-systems; - assessment of the relative position of DIR-MCFC in the CHP market. Conceptual system design
- a conceptual system design optimized for lower cost of energy, high overall efficiency and high flexibility in heat-to-power ratio. Second generation DIR-MCFC technology
- cell sealing for pressure differences up to 200 mbar;
- improved separator plate lifetime from 10000 to 25000 hrs; - improved porous component lifetime to 25000 hrs.

Programma(i)

• FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998

Argomento(i)

• 0203 - Energy industry and fuel cells

Invito a presentare proposte

Data not available

Meccanismo di finanziamento

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinatore

Brandstofcel Nederland BV

Indirizzo

119A,binckhorstlaan
1940 EB Beverwijk
Paesi Bassi

 

Partecipanti (6)

BG PLC

United Kingdom

Indirizzo

Ashby Road
LE11 3GR Loughborough - Leicestershire

 

ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE NETHERLANDS

Paesi Bassi

Indirizzo

Westerduinweg 3
1755 ZG Petten

 

GAZ DE FRANCE

Francia

Indirizzo

23,Avenue Du Président Wilson 361
93211 La Plaine Saint-denis

 

Koninklijke Schelde Group BV

Paesi Bassi

Indirizzo

165,Glacisstraat
4380 AA Vlissingen

 

Stork Alpha Engineering BV

Paesi Bassi

Indirizzo

1940 EB Beverwijk

 

Sydkraft AB

Svezia

Indirizzo

1,Carl Gustafs Väg
205 09 Malmö