Pretreated Landfill Gas Conversion Process via a Catalytic Membrane Reactor for Renewable Combined Fuel Cell-Power Generation

Zoe Ziaka,Savvas Vasileiadis

doi:10.1155/2013/209364

Abstract

A new landfill gas-based reforming catalytic processing system for the conversion of gaseous hydrocarbons, such as incoming methane to hydrogen and carbon oxide mixtures, is described and analyzed. The exit synthesis gas (syn-gas) is fed to power effectively high-temperature fuel cells such as SOFC types for combined efficient electricity generation. The current research work is also referred on the description and design aspects of permreactors (permeable reformers) carrying the same type of landfill gas-reforming reactions. Membrane reactors is a new technology that can be applied efficiently in such systems. Membrane reactors seem to perform better than the nonmembrane traditional reactors. The aim of this research includes turnkey system and process development for the landfill-based power generation and fuel cell industries. Also, a discussion of the efficient utilization of landfill and waste type resources for combined green-type/renewable power generation with increased processing capacity and efficiency via fuel cell systems is taking place. Moreover, pollution reduction is an additional design consideration in the current catalytic processors fuel cell cycles.

Highlights

During our earlier IASTED papers (PGRES, ‘02, Marina Del Ray, CA; modeling and simulation, ‘03, Palm Springs, CA), we had the opportunity to describe and analyze preliminary results on catalytic processors for the steam-reforming reaction of methane and natural gas, for use in fuel cell systems such as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) units [1, 2].The current paper is a continuation of that research effort by giving emphasis in the so-called “landfill gas power” and “bioenergy” systems
We study the use of landfill gases as sources for electricity and heat generation using fuel cells of the SOFC type
It is shown here that high temperature SOFCs/fuel cells can be combined with reforming operations of landfill-based gases

Summary

Introduction

During our earlier IASTED papers (PGRES, ‘02, Marina Del Ray, CA; modeling and simulation, ‘03, Palm Springs, CA), we had the opportunity to describe and analyze preliminary results on catalytic processors for the steam-reforming reaction of methane and natural gas, for use in fuel cell systems such as SOFC units [1, 2]. The permeate stream is richer in hydrogen and less rich in carbon oxides by the use of hydrogen selective membranes such as microporous inorganics (e.g., alumina, titania based) or metal alloys (Pd/Ag, Pd/Cu). One or both of the outlet gas streams. The utilization of the permreactor increases the conversion of the reactant landfill gases in the reactor due to the separation of products This increased shift in conversion yields the required quantity of synthesis gas product for the fuel cell at a lower operation temperature than the counterpart fixedbed (impermeable) reactor [10, 11]. We present a design with emphasis in both reformer configurations for the generation and delivery of hydrogen-rich synthesis gas from landfill gas resources into the accompanied solid oxide fuel cell

Process and Fuel Cell Analysis and Description

Results and Discussion

Conclusions