Energy Balance of Different Internal Reforming McFc Configurations

Abstract

SUMMARYThe internal reforming concept has been successfully integrated in molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) systems. In this paper, a comparison between the direct (DIR-MCFC) and indirect internal reforming (IIR-MCFC) configurations has been made. This approach, realized through a sensitivity analysis of suitable models, allows the advantages and disadvantages of the two configurations to be evaluated in terms of mass transfer balances and efficiencies. The temperature, steam/carbon ratio, electrical power and useful heat fraction have been found to be the most important parameters for optimizing the efficiencies of the two systems. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the technical problems presented by the two systems gives meaningful conclusions about their reliability for the production of electricity. 1997

Mathematical Model of Steam Reforming in the Anode Channel of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

“…There are two types of reforming: internal reforming and external reforming. Since internal reforming occurs directly at the anode, the anode acts as both catalyst and electrode, so the hydrogen is used in the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell immediately after it is created [6][7][8][9]. The effectiveness of hydrogen production is limited by the geometry of the anode channel and by the concentration and flow speed of gases (steam and hydrocarbon) in the anode channel.…”

Mathematical Model of Steam Reforming in the Anode Channel of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

“…There are two types of reforming: internal reforming and external reforming. Since internal reforming occurs directly at the anode, the anode acts as both catalyst and electrode, so the hydrogen is used in the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell immediately after it is created [6][7][8][9]. The effectiveness of hydrogen production is limited by the geometry of the anode channel and by the concentration and flow speed of gases (steam and hydrocarbon) in the anode channel.…”

Mathematical Model of Steam Reforming in the Anode Channel of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

“…There are two types of reforming: internal reforming and external reforming. Since internal reforming occurs directly at the anode, the anode acts as both catalyst and electrode, so the hydrogen is used in the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell immediately after it is created [6][7][8][9]. The effectiveness of hydrogen production is limited by the geometry of the anode channel and by the concentration and flow speed of gases (steam and hydrocarbon) in the anode channel.…”

Mathematical Model of Steam Reforming in the Anode Channel of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

“…There are two types of reforming: internal reforming and external reforming. Since internal reforming occurs directly at the anode, the anode acts as both catalyst and electrode, so the hydrogen is used in the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell immediately after it is created [6][7][8][9]. The effectiveness of hydrogen production is limited by the geometry of the anode channel and by the concentration and flow speed of gases (steam and hydrocarbon) in the anode channel.…”