Biomass reforming process for integrated solid oxide-fuel cell power generation

Abstract

New methane–carbon dioxide catalytic reforming processing systems for conversion of gaseous hydrocarbons such as landfill and biomass gases to hydrogen and carbon oxide mixtures are described and analyzed. The exit synthesis gas (syn-gas) from the reforming processes is used to power high temperature fuel cells such as SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells). Bypass syn-gas streams from the exit of the reformer can be alternatively used for production of synthetic fuels such as methanol and olefinic hydrocarbons. This paper also focuses on the description and design aspects of permreactors (permeable reactors) carrying out the same type of reforming reactions. Objectives of this research include turnkey process and systems development for the fuel cell industry. Also the direct utilization of biomass, landfill, and waste type resources for green power generation with increased processing capacity and efficiency and reduced capital and operation costs. Simultaneously, pollution reduction is under additional design consideration in the described processors-fuel cell systems. Such pollution reduction is achieved by the CO 2 sequestration and utilization (via in situ conversion, recycling and usage).