An Experimental Investigation Into the Use of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells to Capture CO2 from Gas Turbine Exhaust Gases

Abstract

As part of its climate change mitigation initiative, BP is evaluating technologies for the separation and capture of CO2 from combustion sources, for subsequent geologic storage. This includes controlling emissions, conserving energy, and introducing new energy-efficient technologies. One such technology, hydrogen fuel cells, offers the potential for highly efficient power generation at a scale (<10MW) widely employed in the oil and gas industries. This could replace today's technology including small gas turbines and large diesel or gas fired reciprocating engines, often operating at part load efficiencies below 30%. In addition, as part of the CO2 mitigation initiative, BP is evaluating technologies for the separation and capture of CO2 from combustion sources for subsequent storage. At present, commercially viable technologies are not available at scale. A portfolio of innovative options is needed, which include technologies that allow us to take constructive action in the medium term. This chapter describes the conceptual design of a hybrid MCFC system to generate power and simultaneously capture CO2 from small (<10MW) gas turbine exhaust streams. Initial modeling studies indicated that a 1.6 MW MCFC could reduce the CO2 emissions from a 4.6 MW gas turbine by 50% on a per kWh basis. Experimental studies are in progress to understand the system behavior, operating envelope and impact of contaminants. Initial data from these investigations are presented, which confirm that the fuel cell can operate at sub-optimal CO2 levels with limited loss in power and efficiency.