CO2 capturing system concept utilizing Direct FuelCell

In this project, Fuel Cell Energy, Inc. (FCE) will investigate a novel concept for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from fossil fuel power plants and other industrial plants through the use of FCE’s Direct FuelCell® (DFC) technology. The focal point of this concept is the deployment of fuel cell technology to capture CO₂ emissions from fossil-fueled power plants while concurrently generating power at high efficiencies. This novel approach is based on the unique chemistry of the carbonate fuel cell in which CO₂ from the flue gas is separated via the migration of carbonate ions from the cathode to the anode of the fuel cell.

The project will include research and development essential for system design, process optimization, and cost estimation to evaluate the system potential for the target application. The project design activities will integrate DFC-based systems with coal-based power plants. Pulverized coal, fluidized-bed combustion, and integrated gasification combined cycle systems are the types of coal-fired power plants that will be studied. In parallel to system design activities, the operation of a laboratory-scale DFC will verify the technical concept and provide input to the design activity.