Molten carbonate fuel cell operation with dual fuel flexibility

Abstract

The ability to operate highly efficient, pollution-free, distributed-generation power plants on either natural gas or HD-5 grade propane is of interest to the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as secure power for critical power operations. To address this interest, Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) teamed with FuelCell Energy (FCE) to test an internally reforming 250 kW carbonate fuel cell using HD-5 propane. This fuel cell power plant, originally designed to operate on pipeline natural gas or digester gas, was modified for dual fuel operation (natural gas and propane). Fuel cell operation using HD-5 propane was demonstrated for over 3900 h and achieved high-electrical efficiency (45.7–47.1% lower heating value (LHV)) over a broad range of power outputs. In addition, instantaneous and on-load fuel switching from natural gas to propane and back was demonstrated without loss of power. This dual fuel power plant operates efficiently on either fuel and provides the U.S. Army and other power users with a viable technology solution for critical power operations.