Liquid Tin Anode Direct Coal Fuel Cell

Using our abundant coal resources in the most efficient way and in a way that limits CO2 emissions is among the toughest challenges facing the electric power industry. Direct carbon fuel cells represent a breakthrough technology with the potential to increase generation efficiency and reduce the CO2 footprint of coal power plants. One such direct carbon fuel cell, the Liquid-Tin-Anode (LTA) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was developed in previous work. In stacks, the LTA-SOFC has been operated for over 2000 hours on natural gas/H2 and for lesser amounts of time on JP¬8 and gasifier output, which means that extensive hydrogen separation or processing will not be required for efficient operation on coal or biomass. Testing and analysis has indicated the possibility of conversion efficiency above 60%, compared to 35% efficiency obtainable with coal boiler plants using conventional technology. In order to advance LTA¬SOFC technology for coal applications, this project will develop advanced cells suitable for megawatt applications. In Phase I, system configurations will be analyzed and significant risk areas will be identified for further R&D. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The Liquid Tin Anode fuel cell should allow the use of common fuels like JP¬8, diesel, and coal in fuel cell systems. With the ability to run on liquid hydrocarbon fuels, the high efficiency and low emissions inherent in fuel cell systems can be applied to a wide range of potential markets. The commercialization strategy begins with the development of small sub-¬kW power devices for the military, which will provide technology maturity and system integration experience that can be applied to the long-¬term effort to develop coal power plant technology.