Study of a molten carbonate fuel cell combined heat, hydrogen and power system

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2014-10, Vol.75, p.579-588
• Main Authors: Hamad, Tarek A., Agll, Abdulhakim A., Hamad, Yousif M., Bapat, Sushrut, Thomas, Mathew, Martin, Kevin B., Sheffield, John W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A molten carbonate; Air pollution; Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Anaerobic digestion; Applied sciences; Byproducts; Economic data; Electric power generation; Energy; Energy economics; Energy end-uses; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Fuels; General, economic and professional studies; Greenhouse effect; Greenhouse gases; Hydrogen; Molten carbonate fuel cells; Natural energy; Renewable energy; Waste water
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.08.020

To address the problem of fossil fuel usage and high greenhouse gas emissions at the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus, using of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources can lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas, produced by anaerobic digestion of wastewater, organic waste, agricultural waste, industrial waste, and animal by-products is a potential source of renewable energy. In this work, we have discussed the design of CHHP (combined heat, hydrogen and power) system for the campus using local resources. An energy flow and resource availability study is performed to identify the type and source of feedstock required to continuously run the fuel cell system at peak capacity. Following the resource assessment study, the team selects FuelCell Energy DFC (direct fuel cell) 1500™ unit as a molten carbonate fuel cell. The CHHP system provides electricity to power the university campus, thermal energy for heating the anaerobic digester, and hydrogen for transportation, back-up power and other needs. In conclusion, the CHHP system will be able to reduce fossil fuel usage, and greenhouse gas emissions at the university campus. •A molten carbonate fuel cell tri-generation by using anaerobic digestion system.•Anaerobic digestion system will be able to supply fuel for the DFC1500™ unit.•Use locally available feedstock to production electric power, hydrogen and heat.•Application energy end-uses on the university.•CHHP system will reduce energy consumption, fossil fuel usage, and GHG emissions.