Investigation of MCFC based systems for reducing CO2 emission of power stations currently operating in Poland

Aim of project
The aim of the project is to investigate MCFC based systems for reducing CO2 emission of power stations currently operating in Poland. The investigations concern mainly two types of power stations: pulverised coal (or lignite) based steam cycle and gas turbine fi red by natural gas. From many types of fuel cells, the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells are well-suited to CO2 capture. It is connected with the necessity of delivering carbon dioxide and oxygen mixture on the cathode side. Standard power stations emit fl ue gases which contain this mixture and can be used as cathode side inlet gas. On the anode side, hydrogen or methane should be delivered. The outlet of a cathode contains only a mixture of carbon dioxide and steam. Steam can be easily condensed and clear CO2 is obtained for further sequestration. Hybrid systems, constructed in this way, apart from carbon dioxide emission reduction, can produce more power with higher efficiency.

Expected results
The potential of utilization of MCFC for CO2 emission reduction is the expected project result. The increase of power and efficiency of hybrid systems is an additional aim of the project. All investigations will concern currently operating Polish power plants.