Title: Biomass-fired fuel cells

Authors: D. McIlveen-Wright, J.T. McMullan, B.C. Williams

Addresses: Northern Ireland Centre for Energy Research and Technology (NICERT), University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK. Northern Ireland Centre for Energy Research and Technology (NICERT), University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK. Northern Ireland Centre for Energy Research and Technology (NICERT), University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK

Abstract: The results are presented of a techno-economic analysis of systems integrating biomass gasification plant with phosphoric acid and molten carbonate fuel cells. The cases studied relate to the generation of electricity at a scale of 500 kWe. At this level, the plant would be suitable for small-scale commercial or industrial application and would allow for the export of surplus electricity. The performance of the plants is compared with appropriate conventional systems and conclusions are drawn concerning the competitiveness of fuel cells in biomass applications.

Keywords: biomass; fuel cells; energy supply technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2001.000898

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2001 Vol.15 No.3/4, pp.220-246

Published online: 30 Jul 2003 *

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