Biomass Gasifier–SOFC Systems: From Electrode Studies to the Development of Integrated Systems and New Applications

Abstract

An overview of the research activities and on-going multiple projects at Delft University of Technology aimed at the development of Gasifier–Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) based power plants are presented. Biosyngas generated in gasifiers consists of a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), hydrogen (H 2 ), nitrogen (N 2 ), water vapor (H 2 O), and minor impurities. Biosyngas can be a good fuel for SOFCs provided that the gas is sufficiently cleaned. Influence of biosyngas compositions and biomass-derived contaminants on SOFCs is presented and the removal of potential contaminants such as tar, particulates, H 2 S, HCl, and alkali compounds from biosyngas is discussed. It appears that the gasification product gas can be cleaned to meet the requirements of SOFCs using currently known gas cleaning methods. Additionally, a brief discussion on the achievable system efficiencies with gasifier–SOFC systems is presented. Innovative applications of the gasifier-SOFC systems being developed at Delft, such as advanced gasifier–SOFC systems for toilet development, are also presented.